Key takeaways
- Verify the state contractor license for the type and size of work.
- Visit finished homes and talk to the owners about the process, not just the result.
- Look for one accountable team, a written schedule and a clear change process.
- How a builder answers questions early shows how they will communicate later.
Check licensing first
Tennessee regulates contractors through the Board for Licensing Contractors, and the classification needed depends on the type and value of the work. Ask the builder which license applies to your project and look it up through the state's verification site.
Make sure the name on the license matches the company named on the contract.
See finished work
Photographs are helpful, but a finished home tells more. Ask to visit one or two recent projects similar in size and style, and talk to the owners about how decisions, schedules and surprises were handled.
If you can, also visit a project in progress. A tidy, orderly site says a great deal about a builder.
Look for a single accountable team
On a luxury home, dozens of trades must be coordinated. Ask who will be your daily contact, who manages the schedule and who will supervise the site. A builder with a clear structure and a dedicated project manager usually runs a calmer job.
Ask how selections, change orders and allowances are handled, and how often you will receive updates.
Read the contract carefully
A strong contract lists the scope, the plans and specifications, the schedule, the payment plan, how changes are quoted and approved and how problems are resolved. Compare proposals line by line rather than only by the total at the bottom.
If something was discussed, make sure it appears in writing.
Official sites to explore
Brand names and logos belong to their owners. These links open the official websites in a new tab, and we are not affiliated with them.
- Tennessee Board for Licensing ContractorsState regulator for general and home improvement contractors.
- Tennessee license verificationLook up a Tennessee professional or contractor license.
- National Association of Home BuildersIndustry resources for working with builders.
- OSHA Construction IndustryFederal safety information for construction sites.
- American Institute of ArchitectsInformation on design and construction agreements.
Quick answers
Do I need a contractor license in Tennessee?
Many projects require one, depending on type and value. The Board for Licensing Contractors can tell you what applies.
How do I compare two builders?
Compare scope, specifications, schedule, communication and references, not just the number at the bottom of the proposal.
What should be in a custom home contract?
Plans, specifications, schedule, payment plan, allowances, change process, insurance information and dispute process.
