Get Quotes from Top General Contractor in Fort Worth, TX

Are You Licensed to Practice as a General Contractor in Fort Worth?

To do business as a general contractor in Fort Worth, a building contractor registration is required from the Fort Worth Department of Development Services. This is the only means of getting a permit in the city for any construction work. Applicants looking to be registered as building contractors must submit a completed construction registration application and a copy of their current driver's license.

Keep in mind that registering as a building contractor costs $120. Additionally, the Contractor Registration will expire one year after it is issued unless it is canceled or suspended before that. A fee must be paid for the renewal of expired contractor registrations. The duration of the renewed Contractor Registration is also one year.

Note that a building contractor registration is not a license; the State of Texas does not require general contractors to carry a general contractor license. Operating without a general contractor license in Fort Worth is not illegal because Texas does not need them. Employing a general contractor, however, who has proven their ability to complete a quality job will assist in taking care of your concerns and prevent risky or expensive blunders since improper contracting carried out by unqualified personnel can result in thousands of dollars in damages. Assessing your general contractor's suitability for your construction project requires you to make sure that they have complied with all the regulatory requirements.

For additional information on contractor registration in Fort Worth, contact the Fort Worth Department of Development Services at:

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other General Contractors in the City?

The following elements heavily influence how much it will cost to hire a general contractor in Fort Worth:

• The project's kind
• The project's nature and scope
• The project's location inside the city
• The price of the project's required permits
• The price of the necessary materials
• Site accessibility and conditions
• The project's urgency
• The caliber of the site plans and construction drawings
• Labor charges

It makes perfect sense and could save you a lot of headaches to get estimates for your projects from at least three general contractors in the city and compare their costs before making your final hiring decisions. The following pricing strategies are frequently used by general contractors when determining their estimates for services:

• Lump Sum Pricing: In this case, the contractor usually provides all of the agreed-upon services for a single price. To account for unforeseen circumstances, the contractor takes a higher markup when utilizing this method of cost estimation. This kind of pricing is often used for projects with a defined scope. The main benefit of using the lump sum pricing method is that you do not have to worry about paying more for charges that might spring up during the project.
• Cost Plus Pricing: Under this approach, the contractor will receive a predetermined percentage of the total cost of the project, with the client covering the whole cost of the materials, labor, and support services. The general contractor will normally be paid between 10% and 20% of the project's total cost using this method. Since the client can save money if the project's final cost is less than anticipated, this pricing technique is suitable for projects with an unclear total scope. However, the client will be responsible for any additional costs if the project costs more than expected.

Do not merely go with the contractor who offers the lowest price because some entice customers with low initial bids to increase prices once the construction is underway. Low prices are another tactic used by con artists who want to make off with your money without doing any work. Always consider additional factors, such as the contractor's reputation and level of competence, as well as the types and standards of services they intend to offer at the prices they are requesting.

General Contractors in Fort Worth earn an estimated annual average wage of $68,750. The list below compares the average hourly wage of these contractors with those of general contractors in other parts of Texas and other locations across the United States:

What Kind of General Contractor Services Do You Offer?

Construction-related work in Fort Worth is often contracted out to general contractors. Although this is the case, the precise services that these contractors offer mostly depend on the particular contractor and the project for which they are employed. However, a large number of trustworthy general contractors in the city routinely provide these core services:

• Make estimates on the cost of the project at its beginning.
• Deliver the materials needed for the project.
• Provide the project with the necessary manpower.
• Organize with vendors and suppliers.
• Make sure all required licenses are obtained.
• Keep an eye on the effectiveness of the job being done while keeping the deadline in mind.
• Make sure the project conforms with all applicable construction codes and safety precautions.
• Use specialized subcontractors when necessary.
• Control the project's administrative elements, such as scheduling, cash flow, and labor payments.
• Ensure that each step of the process is meticulously documented.
• Carry out actual construction, repair, and renovation work when necessary.

Before entering into any agreements with a general contractor, asking what services they will offer for your building project is always a good idea. Depending on the scope of the project, the general contractor may complete it with their own crew or may need to hire a subcontractor to handle particular duties. Be mindful that if a general contractor lacks someone qualified to fill the required function, they may occasionally need to hire these subcontractors from outside of their team. However, such agreements ought to be discussed before the contract is signed.

Subcontractors are frequently used to complete construction-related tasks that the general contractor or their staff may not be directly trained to complete, such as plumbing, electrical work, HVAC installation, carpentry, and roofing. Some significant distinctions exist between general contractors and subcontractors that work on building projects. These incorporate:

Will You Get the Necessary Permits as Required per the City Code?

The Fort Worth Department of Development Services handles permitting for general contractors in the city. General contractors and homeowners must obtain permits to carry out residential and commercial projects. One or two-family detached residences on single-platted lots need a residential building permit, as do any remodeling jobs that alter, move, or fix the building, such as:

• Adding or Removing Walls
• Adding or Replacing Floors
• Ceiling Renovation or Repair
• Window Replacement or Repair
• Repair or Replacement of Doors
• Replacement or Modification of Electrical Systems
• Altering or Replacing a Home's Mechanical System
• Repairs and Changes to the Plumbing System
• Building Removal or Addition on Your Property

You can use the CFW portal to determine which permits your project requires by answering questions like project type, building type, location, work required, and fees. After you have confirmed the permit your project requires, you can go through the application process. Note that online applications are accepted for all City of Fort Worth permits.

The general contractor, responsible for carrying out the work, is also in charge of scheduling and ensuring that everything is prepared for inspection. Your general contractor may schedule an inspection at the time of permitting through the online permit system or by dialing the Voice Permits (IVR) line at (817) 392-6370. The method you use is largely determined by the kind of permit and the work to be done. To schedule an inspection, the Permit Number, Job Address, and Inspection Code are necessary. Keep in mind that the Department will schedule inspections on the same day if they are submitted before 6:30 a.m. However, scheduling for requests received at or after 6:30 a.m. will occur the following business day.

For additional information about permitting in Fort Worth, contact the Department of Development Services at:

Do You Work with Subcontractors?

Always inquire about the involvement of subcontractors when hiring your preferred general contractor for your construction project. For a variety of reasons, general contractors in Fort Worth commonly need to recruit subcontractors. These reasons include:

• Getting assistance with large or diverse tasks
• Increasing productivity and job flexibility
• increasing cost-efficiency
• For specialist work, neither they nor their staff are allowed or licensed to perform.

General contractors typically subcontract work to the following industries for construction projects:

• Appliance installation
• Carpentry
• Drywalling and insulation installation
• Electrical work
• HVAC installations
• Mason work
• Painting
• Plumbing
• Roofing
• Welding
• Window installation

Choosing these subcontractors is normally the responsibility of the general contractor, but you should always take precautions to make sure that you are not held liable if there are any issues between your general contractor and any subcontractors participating in the project. Late payments, poor or inadequate service, and injuries suffered by the subcontractor are the most frequent causes of these problems.

Texas law states that an employer is not required to ensure that a subcontractor completes their work safely unless the employer has some degree of control over how the contractor completes the assignment that poses a risk. In other words, the law protects the general contractor or employer from culpability unless they offer instructions to subcontractors.

General contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, specialized material fabricators, design consultants, and landscapers have the right to file a mechanical lien if they are not paid. Parties that entered into a direct contract with the property owner in Texas are eligible to seek a constitutional lien. A claimant for a constitutional lien must meet specific standards; there are no notification or filing procedures. By taking the following actions, you can generally prevent getting into liens in the first place:

• Be Careful with the Contractor You Hire: Do a thorough background check on any general contractor you plan to use to make sure they are reputable and qualified.
• Know About Any Subcontracting: Ensure you are informed of any subcontractor work on your project by asking the general contractor to do so.
• Get a Lien Waiver: For all payments, demand releases of liens. This stops the subcontractors from placing a lien on your property. This is another innovative strategy to guarantee the general contractor's responsibility.
• Use Only Bonded Contractors: Check to see if the general contractor is covered by a payment bond. A claim could be made against the bond rather than the contractor if they do not pay the subcontractor on time.
• Make Payments on Time: Always pay your general contractor on time.
• Written Contract: You should always have documentation of any agreements you make with your general contractor.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for General Contractors in the City?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 123 fatal injuries caused by construction occurred in Fort Worth and other Texan cities in 2019. Needless to say, construction is a dangerous industry, and there are numerous significant safety risks that affect construction employees, including but not limited to:

• Cuts, rips, and lacerations during work from tools and other sharp objects
• Electrocutions
• Exposure to dangerous compounds like asbestos and silica dust
• Exposure to extreme weather
• Falls from very high places
• Injuries caused by falling items and flying debris
• Uncomfortable work environments

In Fort Worth, general contractors are not required to carry any insurance. No matter what, it's crucial that you verify that your contractor is covered by general liability insurance, which guards you against the costs of any accidents or injuries that might happen on the job site. It expressly covers property damage and injury to people other than your contractor's employees brought on by their operations or products.

While Fort Worth also does not require its general contractors to carry worker's compensation insurance, doing so can shield you from financial responsibility in the event that one of the workers on your project suffers an injury. Always keep in mind that before hiring any general contractors, it is your responsibility to require adequate insurance coverage. Additionally, be sure the insurance is purchased from a Texas insurance provider that is authorized to sell liability insurance.

Employing a general contractor in Fort Worth without the necessary insurance exposes you to liability for any accidents the contractor or any project-related subcontractors create. Working with uninsured contractors puts you at risk of being held responsible for any property damage these people create, either directly or indirectly.

Therefore, it is always in your best interest to request proof of insurance from any Fort Worth, general contractor you wish to hire and to double-check this paperwork before they start working on your project. To find out if the contractor's insurance minimum is sufficient for the scope of your project and to confirm that any subcontractors they engage are covered by their insurance, you should get in touch with the contractor's insurance provider. Also, ask the contractor if they are covered by professional liability insurance for their own errors.

Do You Provide a Warranty for Works Completed?

Warranties are promises made to customers that the goods and services they buy will work as intended. In the event that a product or service does not perform as promised or intended, it also refers to the terms and circumstances under which repairs or exchanges will be made. Fundamentally, warranties give the customer the assurance that the service they are about to purchase is future-proof. General contractors frequently offer one of two types of warranties:

• Explicit Warranty: Also referred to as an Express Warranty, is a written assurance that is typically a part of a project proposal or contract. When a buyer is given information about a product or service and that information influences their decision to buy the product or service, the information constitutes an explicit warranty.
• Implied Warranty: Although this type of warranty is not in writing, it is nonetheless recognized by the law. Whether or not a written warranty is given, implied warranties are frequently used in all kinds of construction projects.

The following categories of warranties are typically offered:

• Materials and Tools Warranty: This ensures that the components and products used in the construction are brand new, error-free, and will work as intended.
• Vendor Warranty: This sort of warranty is typically provided by the company that sold the building's fixtures and appliances, and it covers those items.
• Warranty of Competent Workmanship: This warranty guarantees that the team working on the project and any subcontractors will do their jobs to the greatest possible standards.
• Warranty of Habitability: This warranty promises that the finished building or structure is secure enough to occupy and appropriate for its intended use. This guarantee is typically given for residential buildings.
• Call-back Warranty: This kind of warranty specifies a window in which the homeowner may speak with the builder to fix any building flaws. Depending on the general contractor, it may require up to a year or more.
• Design-Build Warranty: The design-build warranty usually covers the services of project specialists like architects and engineers.

Texas law currently provides two implicit guarantees for new residential construction: the implied warranty of habitability and the implied warranty of competent workmanship. This means that a homeowner in Texas has the right to file a lawsuit against a general contractor if the new home they had constructed was not done so in a good and workmanlike manner (in line with industry standards), or if it wasn't safe or sanitary to live in.

In Texas, the warranty period is one year for labor and building materials and ten years for the main structural elements of the home. Additionally, while Texas law prohibits the waiver or disclaimer of the implied guarantee, it can be replaced with an express warranty, which can also shorten the time frame for a warranty claim. If correctly constructed, such a clause can settle the scope of the warranty and the applicable limitations period by contractual agreement, giving the parties more assurance.

However, it is important to note that contractors cannot legally guarantee the correctness, appropriateness, adequacy, or suitability of submitted plans, specifications, or other design papers when homeowners provide the design for the building.

It should be mentioned that a homeowner who feels they have been wronged in Fort Worth has four years from the date of the execution of the contract to launch a lawsuit. However, arbitration may be utilized to resolve disputes when the parties cannot agree on a warranty length. In order to resolve these disputes, arbitration could be a less expensive and time-consuming choice than going to court.

Can You Provide References of Clients Served in Fort Worth?

When looking for a general contractor in Fort Worth, you can ask relatives and close friends for ideas on who they used for comparable work, search online, or get in touch with well-known trade groups or associations in the area, like

• The Greater Fort Worth Builders Association
• The Associated General Contractor of Fort Worth
• The National Association of Home Builders
• The Associated General Contractors of America

Regardless of how you contact them, you should always collect references from local general contractors before entering into any hiring agreements. A smart way to assess a general contractor's professionalism, authenticity, degree of experience, and service performance is to ask for references from past clients whom they have worked with. Avoid general contractors who are reluctant to provide references or who are unable to give you up to three local references. This is frequently a sign of subpar service delivery and might even be a sign of fraud on the side of the contractor.

It is crucial to remember that to get first-hand opinions and feedback on the general contractor and how they handle their services, you should always get in touch with the references given to you. Additionally, it is a good idea to research the contractor on independent review sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, your neighborhood Better Business Bureau, and others. Inquire about any complaints made against the general contractor and the details of these complaints by contacting the Texas Attorney General's Office.

What Is the Expected Timeline for This Project?

Aside from their assistance in effectively managing your construction project, choosing knowledgeable and experienced general contractors in Fort Worth is generally a good idea because these experts can frequently provide you with an estimated completion date. It should be noted that the following elements frequently affect how much an experienced general contractor will charge for a project:

• Inspections and permits
• Modifications to the construction plan or scope
• The accessibility of construction labor, subcontractors, and materials
• The project's nature and scope
• The time of year and the typical weather

A precise time estimate that covers the project's high points is essential for the success of any building project. Some advantages of establishing a timeline for a construction project include the following:

• Costs are reduced while production is raised.
• It enables you to plan for potential project delays and offers the contractor the freedom to develop strategies to lessen those delays.
• It helps avoid misunderstandings with your general contractor.
• It is easier to monitor the project's progress and ensure the contractor isn't intentionally delaying things.
• It makes task assignments and completion more efficient.
• It provides you with a window of opportunity to prepare for things like moves, births of new children, retirements, and weddings.