5 Questions to Ask Every Contractor Before They Start Work in Your Austin Home

Hiring a contractor is one of the most important decisions you'll make as an Austin homeowner. The wrong choice costs you time, money, and sanity. These five questions will help you separate the pros from the problems — before a single nail is driven.

1. Are you licensed and insured in Texas?

Ask for their license number and insurance certificate. A reputable contractor will hand these over without hesitation. Anyone who hedges or says "I'm working on it" is a red flag.

2. Will this work require permits?

Electrical, plumbing, structural, and HVAC work almost always requires permits in Austin. If a contractor suggests skipping the permit to save time or money, walk away. Unpermitted work creates problems when you sell.

3. Can you provide references from similar projects?

Not just reviews — actual references. People you can call. If they've done the type of work you need in Austin homes recently, they should have no problem connecting you with a past client.

4. What's your payment schedule?

Never pay more than 10–30% upfront. Reputable contractors don't need your full payment before they start — that's a hallmark of someone who may not finish the job.

5. Who will actually be doing the work?

Some contractors subcontract everything. That's not necessarily bad, but you deserve to know who is in your home and whether those subs are also vetted.

At Contractor Verified, every professional in our network has already passed our vetting process — so you can skip the interrogation and get straight to the work. Find your contractor at contractorverifiedatx.com.