Questions to Ask Before Signing a General Contractor Contract in Chandler

Signing a contract with a general contractor is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make for a home or commercial project—and in Chandler's fast-moving construction market, the fine print matters just as much as the price.

Why the Contract Review Stage Is Non-Negotiable in Arizona

Arizona's contractor licensing is managed through the Registrar of Contractors (ROC), and the state has specific consumer protections baked into law—but those protections only help you if your contract is solid. Chandler's desert climate also introduces project-specific considerations (monsoon moisture, extreme summer heat, HOA design guidelines) that a well-drafted contract should address directly. Skipping a thorough review is how homeowners end up with disputes, delays, or liens on their property.

Questions to Ask About Licensing and Insurance

Before you even read the scope of work, verify the basics.

• Is your ROC license current? Ask for the license number and verify it yourself at the ROC website. Arizona requires contractors to hold an active license for most residential and commercial work above a certain threshold. An unlicensed contractor leaves you with almost no legal recourse.
• What type of ROC license do you hold? A B-1 residential general contractor license covers different work than a commercial (KB) license. Make sure the license class matches your project type.
• Can I see your certificate of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage? Chandler jobs require both. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no workers' comp, you could be exposed to liability.
• Are your subcontractors also licensed and insured? General contractors routinely use subs for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Ask whether those subs carry their own ROC licenses.

Questions About the Scope, Schedule, and Materials

A vague scope of work is where cost overruns are born. Push for specifics before you sign.

• Is the scope of work written in line-item detail? "Kitchen remodel" is not a scope. You want itemized descriptions covering demolition, materials, brands or grades, finishes, and exactly what is and is not included.
• What happens if material costs change mid-project? In Arizona's current construction environment, lumber and specialty materials can fluctuate. Ask whether the contract is fixed-price or cost-plus, and what approval process governs change orders.
• What is the realistic project timeline, and what are the milestones? Get start and substantial completion dates in writing. Ask whether the schedule accounts for Chandler's monsoon season (roughly June through September), when concrete pours, roofing, and exterior work can be disrupted.
• How will extreme heat affect the schedule? Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F in Chandler. Responsible contractors build in morning-only outdoor work windows or other heat mitigation—if yours doesn't mention it, ask.

Questions About Payment Terms and Lien Waivers

Never make a large lump-sum payment upfront. Legitimate contractors will structure draws around verified progress. Also confirm how TPT is accounted for—Arizona's Transaction Privilege Tax applies to construction contracts, and it should be clearly disclosed rather than added as a surprise at the end.

Questions About Permits, HOA Compliance, and Inspections

Chandler has its own building department, and many neighborhoods are governed by HOAs with architectural review requirements on top of city codes.

• Who pulls the permits—you or the homeowner? In Arizona, the licensed contractor should pull permits for work that requires them. If a contractor asks you to pull permits, that is a serious warning sign.
• Will the project require HOA architectural review approval before work begins? In Chandler communities with active HOAs, exterior work—fencing, patio covers, landscaping, painting—often needs board approval first. Confirm who handles the submission.
• Who is responsible for scheduling and passing inspections? Get this in writing. Failed inspections that require re-work can add weeks to a timeline.

Questions About Dispute Resolution and Warranty

• What is the workmanship warranty, and is it in writing? Arizona law provides some implied warranties, but written warranties give you clearer remedies. One to two years on workmanship is a common range; ask what's covered.
• How are disputes handled? Many contracts default to binding arbitration. Understand what you're agreeing to—arbitration can be faster and cheaper than court, but it also limits your options.
• What is the process for filing a complaint if needed? The ROC accepts complaints against licensed contractors and can investigate and even require remediation. A contractor who discourages you from knowing this process is a red flag.

Before You Search for a Contractor

If you're still in the research phase, search local general contractors in Chandler to compare options and read reviews before you ever get to the contract stage. You can also browse the broader construction directory on Saguaro List to find licensed pros organized by specialty.

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A well-negotiated contract protects both you and your contractor—it sets clear expectations and gives everyone a roadmap when things get complicated. In Chandler's active market, taking an extra day to ask these questions before signing can save you months of headaches down the road.