Buyer's Guide · June 2026

How to Choose a General Contractor in Nashville: 10 Questions

Your contractor decides whether your project is a good memory or an expensive headache. Nashville's building boom means a lot of names to choose from — so before you sign anything, ask these ten questions. The right builder will be glad you did.

1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured — can I see it?In Tennessee, real construction work requires a licensed contractor. Ask for proof, and look for depth — for example, we're a licensed GC in both the US and Australia, working in commercial, industrial, and residential since 2001.
2. Will you pull the permits in your name?The right answer is yes. A contractor who asks you to pull an owner permit is shifting the liability onto you. We handle permits, engineering, and Metro Codes ourselves.
3. Who is actually on my site each day — and who do I call?Will the owner be involved, or will you be handed to a salesperson and never see them again? On our projects, Winston personally leads the crew.
4. Do you self-perform, or sub everything out?Builders who self-perform keep more control over quality and schedule. Ask what they do in-house versus hand off.
5. Can I see finished work and talk to past clients?Real, recent local projects beat a slick brochure. Ask to see work and to speak with a homeowner who's been through it.
6. How do you price — and what's included?Beware a low "starting at" number that grows. Ask for a transparent, itemized quote after a site walk, and what's an allowance versus a fixed price.
7. How do you handle change orders and surprises?Every project hits something. A good builder explains how changes are priced and approved before they happen, in writing.
8. What's your payment schedule tied to?Payments should track real milestones or progress, not arbitrary dates. Never pay for far more than has been built.
9. What written warranty do you stand behind?Ask what's covered and for how long after completion — and get it in writing.
10. Can you put the full scope in writing before we start?A clear, written scope is what keeps a price honest and a project calm. If a builder won't commit the details to paper, keep looking.

If a contractor answers these ten clearly and in writing, you're in good hands. If they get vague on licensing, permits, pricing, or who does the work — that's your answer.

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General guidance as of June 2026, not legal advice. We confirm specifics for your project at consult.

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