Halo General Contractors

Texas does not have a single statewide residential general contractor license, but many trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are licensed and required to be performed by credentialed professionals. The City of San Antonio requires permits and inspections for most structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work and may require contractor registration or documentation when pulling permits. Before hiring, ask the contractor whether they will pull required City permits, provide permit numbers and inspections, and subcontract to appropriately licensed trades. Also verify the contractor carries general liability insurance and request proof.

A clear written contract should include a detailed scope of work, brand or quality of major materials, start and estimated completion dates, a schedule of progress milestones and payments, a change-order process, cleanup and site protection responsibilities, warranty language for workmanship and product warranties, and who is responsible for permits and inspections. Payment should be tied to milestones and not be paid in full up front; retainage or final payment held until work is complete and inspections pass is common. Require lien waivers from subcontractors and suppliers as payments are made and keep all change orders in writing with cost and schedule impacts.

Confirm the contractor carries commercial general liability insurance and ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as additional insured if appropriate. Workers' compensation is optional in Texas; if the contractor does not carry it, ask how employee injuries will be handled and consider requiring indemnification. Ensure the contractor will obtain all City of San Antonio permits and schedule required inspections — permits protect you and help ensure work meets current building codes. Also discuss climate-related choices: material and ventilation recommendations for San Antonio’s hot, humid summers (roofing products, attic ventilation, insulation, paint/finish cure times) and how the schedule accounts for seasonal heat or storm risk. Keep records of permits, inspection reports and final sign-offs.