Don't Sign on the Dotted Line! 7 Critical Questions to Ask a General Contractor
September 24, 2025
Choosing a general contractor is the most important decision you'll make for your tenant finish-out. This is the partner who will be responsible for your budget, your timeline, and the ultimate quality of your new space. Making the right choice leads to a smooth, successful project. Making the wrong one can lead to a nightmare of delays, cost overruns, and stress.
To make an informed decision, you need to do your homework and ask the right questions. A trustworthy and professional contractor will welcome this due diligence and answer transparently.
Here are seven critical questions you should ask every potential contractor before you sign a contract:
- "Are you licensed and fully insured in Texas?"
- Why it's important: This is a non-negotiable starting point. A valid license proves they meet state requirements. Ask for proof of their general liability and worker's compensation insurance. This protects you from liability in case of an accident or property damage on your job site.
- "Can you share a portfolio of similar tenant finish-out projects and a list of recent client references?"
- Why it's important: You want a contractor with specific experience in your type of project (e.g., retail, restaurant, office). A portfolio shows their quality of work. Speaking to references gives you firsthand insight into their communication, reliability, and how they handled challenges.
- "Who will be my main point of contact, and how will we communicate?"
- Why it's important: Clear, consistent communication is the bedrock of a successful project. You should know who your dedicated project manager is and expect a clear plan for regular updates, such as weekly meetings or progress reports.
- "How do you ensure the project stays on schedule and on budget?"
- Why it's important: This question reveals their project management process. A professional contractor will use scheduling software, provide a detailed budget, and have a clear system for tracking progress and expenses.
- "What is your process for handling change orders?"
- Why it's important: Changes are common in construction projects. You need to know how they will be handled. A reputable contractor will have a formal change order process that clearly documents the scope of the change and its impact on the cost and schedule before the work is done.
- "How do you ensure job site safety and cleanliness?"
- Why it's important: A commitment to safety reflects the contractor's professionalism and care for their team and your property. A clean and organized job site is an efficient and safe job site.
- "What makes you different from other contractors?"
- Why it's important: This open-ended question allows the contractor to talk about their values, their team's expertise, and their unique approach. At Five Mile Construction, we'd tell you about our commitment to transparency, quality materials, and our role as a true partner in our clients' success.
We Welcome Your Questions
We believe that trust is built through transparency. We invite you to ask us these questions and any others you may have.
Ready to partner with a contractor you can count on? Contact Five Mile Construction today to start the conversation.
So, you’re ready to build out your new commercial space in Central Texas. It’s an exciting time, but between your business plan and your grand opening lies a crucial, often underestimated hurdle: the permitting and inspection process. In a booming region like the Austin-San Marcos corridor, navigating the specific requirements of each municipality can feel like trying to solve a complex maze. Failing to manage this process correctly is the number one reason for project delays. It can leave you paying rent on a space you can’t occupy while your plans sit in a review queue. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Understanding the Process While every city has its nuances, the journey from plan to approved construction generally follows these key steps: Plan Submission: Your detailed architectural and engineering plans must be submitted to the local building department. This isn't just a formality; reviewers meticulously check your plans for compliance with building codes, fire safety regulations, zoning laws, and accessibility standards like the ADA . Review and Revisions: It is common for a city reviewer to return plans with comments or required revisions. An experienced contractor anticipates these and can address them quickly. A novice can get stuck in a frustrating back-and-forth cycle. Permit Issuance: Once the plans are approved, the city issues the building permit. Only now can construction officially begin. Scheduled Inspections: The permit is not a free pass to the finish line. Throughout the construction process, city inspectors must be called out to approve critical stages of the work. This can include inspections for your foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems before they are covered up by drywall. Final Inspection: After the last coat of paint is dry, a final inspection is required to verify that the entire project was completed according to the approved plans and is safe for occupancy. Only after passing this inspection will you receive your Certificate of Occupancy—the key to officially opening your doors. The Five Mile Advantage: Your Local Guide Having a deep understanding of local jurisdictions is non-negotiable. Our team at Five Mile Construction has spent years building relationships and navigating the specific processes of cities throughout Central Texas. We know what San Marcos requires versus what Austin demands. We anticipate the common sticking points, prepare a thorough and professional submission package to minimize revisions, and manage the entire inspection schedule. We handle the red tape so you can focus on what you do best: running your business. We see managing permits and inspections not as a burden, but as a critical part of our service to ensure your project moves forward smoothly, on schedule, and without costly surprises. Ready to start your tenant finish-out with a team that knows the way? Contact Five Mile Construction today and let’s clear the path to your grand opening.
Home renovations can be a significant investment, but they can also significantly increase the value of your property. Whether you're planning to sell your home in the near future or simply want to enhance its long-term value, understanding the return on investment (ROI) of different renovations is crucial. Choosing projects that offer the highest ROI can maximize your investment and ensure your home is both beautiful and marketable. At Five Mile Construction, we've helped countless homeowners make smart renovation choices that boost their property value. We understand the local market and know which upgrades are most likely to deliver a strong return. This blog post will explore some of the home renovations that consistently provide the highest ROI, helping you make informed decisions about where to invest your money. Kitchen Remodel: The Heart of the Home and a High-Value Investment Kitchen remodels consistently rank among the top renovations for ROI. The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and an updated, functional, and stylish kitchen can significantly enhance a home's appeal and value. Minor Kitchen Remodel: Even a minor kitchen remodel, which might include refacing cabinets, updating countertops, installing new flooring, and upgrading appliances, can yield a substantial return, often recouping around 75-85% or more of the cost at resale. Major Kitchen Remodel: A major kitchen remodel, which may involve a complete layout change, new custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and premium countertops, can also deliver a strong ROI, typically in the range of 50-70%. Although this is a lower percentage than a minor remodel the value added to the home will often be much higher. Key Elements: Focus on elements that buyers value most, such as: High-quality countertops: Granite, quartz, and other solid surface materials are popular choices. Updated cabinetry: Refacing or replacing cabinets can dramatically transform the look of a kitchen. Energy-efficient appliances: Stainless steel appliances are always in demand. Good lighting: A well-lit kitchen is essential. Bathroom Remodel: Adding Luxury and Functionality After kitchens, bathroom remodels offer some of the highest returns on investment. Updated bathrooms can significantly enhance a home's appeal and value, particularly in older homes. Midrange Bathroom Remodel: Updating an existing bathroom with new fixtures, a new vanity, updated flooring, and a fresh coat of paint can yield an ROI of around 60-70%. Upscale Bathroom Remodel: A more extensive remodel, which might include adding a separate shower and soaking tub, in-floor heating, or high-end finishes, can also deliver a good return, though typically lower than a midrange remodel in percentage terms. Focus on: Modern fixtures: Replace outdated faucets, showerheads, and toilets with modern, water-efficient models. Updated vanity and countertops: A new vanity and countertop can instantly refresh the look of a bathroom. Good ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture problems. Lighting: Bright, well-placed lighting is essential in a bathroom. Curb Appeal Enhancements: Making a Great First Impression First impressions matter, especially when it comes to selling a home. Enhancing your home's curb appeal can significantly boost its value and attract potential buyers. Landscaping: A well-maintained and attractive landscape can add significantly to a home's value. Consider adding fresh mulch, planting flowers, trimming trees and shrubs, and ensuring the lawn is healthy and green. Exterior Painting: A fresh coat of paint can make a dramatic difference in a home's appearance. Choose colors that are appealing and complement the style of the house. New Front Door: Replacing an old or outdated front door with a new, stylish one can instantly enhance curb appeal. Steel and fiberglass doors are popular choices for their durability and energy efficiency. According to the 2023 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine a steel entry door replacement recoups over 100% of its cost. Garage Door Replacement: According to the same report a new garage door can recoup almost all of its cost at 102.7% making it a great choice for those looking to sell. Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Saving Money and Adding Value Energy-efficient upgrades not only reduce your utility bills but also make your home more attractive to potential buyers. High-Performance Windows: Replacing old, drafty windows with energy-efficient models can improve comfort, reduce noise, and lower energy costs. Insulation: Adding insulation to attics, walls, and crawl spaces can significantly improve energy efficiency. HVAC Upgrades: Installing a new, high-efficiency furnace or air conditioner can reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality. Solar Panels: Adding solar panels can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills and, in many areas, is becoming an increasingly desirable feature for homebuyers. Deck Addition Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular. Adding a deck provides a great space for entertaining guests and enjoying nice weather. According to Remodeling Magazine , a wood deck addition can recoup over 100% of its cost. Five Mile Construction: Maximizing Your Renovation ROI At Five Mile Construction, we understand that your home is one of your most significant investments. We're committed to helping you make smart renovation choices that enhance your home's value, beauty, and functionality. Our team will work closely with you to: Assess Your Needs and Goals: We'll discuss your vision for your home, your budget, and your desired ROI. Recommend High-Value Renovations: We'll suggest renovations that are most likely to deliver a strong return on investment in your local market. Develop a Detailed Plan: We'll create a comprehensive plan that outlines the scope of work, budget, and timeline. Expert Craftsmanship: Our skilled craftsmen will execute your renovation project to the highest standards, ensuring quality and durability. Contact us today to discuss your renovation plans and learn how we can help you maximize your ROI. Let's build value into your home together!
