Hiring a general contractor is one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a homeowner. The right contractor delivers your project on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards. The wrong one can cost you thousands in delays, rework, and stress. Here are 10 essential questions to ask any contractor before you sign.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is non-negotiable. In Florida, general contractors must hold a state-issued license (CGC or CBC prefix). Ask for the license number and verify it on the Florida DBPR website (myfloridalicense.com). Also verify general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. If a contractor can't provide these — walk away. Lozano Construction holds Florida General Contractor License CGC1532629.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Experience matters in construction. A contractor with years of experience has seen and solved more problems than a newer company. Ask about their specific experience with your type of project — a commercial contractor may not be the best choice for a residential kitchen remodel, and vice versa.
3. Can You Provide References?
A reputable contractor should be able to provide references from recent projects similar to yours. Call the references and ask: Was the project completed on time? On budget? Were there any issues, and how were they resolved? Would you hire them again?
4. Do You Handle Permits?
Your contractor should handle all permitting. If they suggest skipping permits or ask you to pull the permit yourself (as the homeowner), that's a red flag. A licensed contractor pulls permits under their own license — and that means they're accountable for the work meeting code.
5. What Does Your Contract Include?
A good contract should include a detailed scope of work, a payment schedule tied to milestones (not large upfront deposits), a project timeline with start and completion dates, a change order process, warranty information, and license and insurance documentation. Be cautious of contractors who want to work without a written contract.
6. Who Will Be On-Site Managing the Project?
Ask who your day-to-day point of contact will be. Will the owner be involved? Will there be a dedicated project manager? How will progress be communicated? At Lozano Construction, every project has a dedicated point of contact and you receive weekly progress updates.
7. How Do You Handle Change Orders?
Changes happen during construction — it's almost inevitable. Ask how the contractor handles changes to the scope. Is there a formal change order process? How are additional costs communicated and approved? A good contractor never does extra work without your written approval.
8. What Is Your Payment Schedule?
Be wary of contractors who ask for large upfront payments (more than 10-15% or the cost of materials). A standard payment schedule is tied to project milestones — a draw at permit, at rough-in, at substantial completion, and a final payment after walkthrough. Never pay in full before the work is complete.
9. What Warranty Do You Offer?
Ask about the contractor's workmanship warranty — how long does it last and what does it cover? In Florida, contractors are also bound by statutory construction defect provisions. A reputable contractor stands behind their work and addresses issues promptly.
10. What Sets You Apart from Other Contractors?
This open-ended question tells you a lot about a contractor's values. Listen for specifics, not generalities. At Lozano Construction, our answer is clear: 20+ years of local experience, a single point of contact on every project, transparent pricing with no surprises, a licensed and insured full-service team, and a commitment to building relationships — not just buildings.
Ready to Work With a Contractor You Can Trust?
If you're looking for a licensed general contractor in the Sarasota area who checks every box on this list, give us a call. Lozano Construction — (941) 300-0770. Free estimates, no obligation.
