What design-build means, the questions to ask before you sign, and the red flags to watch for when hiring a Houston remodeling company.
A design-build remodeler coordinates design and construction under one contract, so you have one point of contact and one budget conversation. Before hiring, ask for proof of general liability insurance, a written proposal that lists scope and allowances, a sample schedule, recent references, and how change orders are handled. Texas has no statewide general contractor license, so check insurance, references and reviews carefully.
What 'design-build' actually means
Design-build means one company coordinates design and construction under one contract. Some firms employ designers directly; others coordinate licensed architects, engineers and trade professionals as partners. Either way, you get one point of accountability and one budget conversation instead of managing a designer and a builder separately.
Questions worth asking
Ask how they handle allowances, change orders, and lead times. Ask to see a real project schedule, not a marketing timeline. Ask who your day-to-day contact will be and how often you'll meet.
Red flags
Vague, single-page contracts. Refusal to share references from projects older than a year. Bids that come in dramatically lower than everyone else — the difference always shows up later as change orders.
Checking a Houston remodeler
Texas does not issue a statewide general contractor license. Plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians are licensed by the state, and some cities require contractor registration. Ask for a certificate of insurance, confirm that permitted trade work is done by licensed professionals, and read recent reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau.
What a good proposal includes
A clear scope of work, the selections or allowances for each finish, a payment schedule tied to progress, the expected timeline, warranty terms, and a written change-order process. If two bids are far apart, compare them line by line — the gap usually comes from something left out.
Questions to ask before signing
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Can I see your certificate of insurance? | Protects you if something goes wrong on site |
| Who is my day-to-day contact? | One person accountable for schedule and decisions |
| How are change orders handled? | Prevents surprise costs |
| What warranty do you provide? | Know what's covered after completion |
| Can I talk to recent clients? | Confirms real, recent work |
Frequently asked questions
- Does Texas license general contractors?
- No. Texas has no statewide general contractor license. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC trades are licensed by the state.
- Is design-build more expensive?
- Not necessarily. Pricing the design as it develops often avoids redesign and change orders later.
- What warranty should I expect?
- Ask for it in writing. Novara provides a one-year workmanship warranty plus manufacturer warranties on products.
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