How to Choose a General Contractor in Inverness FL [2026 Guide]

Choosing the right general contractor for your Inverness home remodeling project is one of the most important decisions you'll make. A good contractor delivers quality work on time and budget. A bad contractor can cost you thousands in mistakes, delays, and stress.

As a licensed general contractor serving Citrus County since 1981, we've seen firsthand what separates professional contractors from those who cut corners. This guide will help you make an informed decision when hiring a contractor in Inverness, Crystal River, Lecanto, or anywhere in Florida.

Why Choosing the Right Contractor Matters

Your home is likely your largest investment. Whether you're remodeling a kitchen, adding a bathroom, or building a home addition, you're trusting someone with:

Tens of thousands of dollars of your hard-earned money
Access to your home and personal space
Your family's safety through proper construction practices
Your home's structural integrity and long-term value
Compliance with building codes that protect you and future buyers

A qualified, licensed contractor protects all of these. An unqualified contractor puts them at risk.

Step 1: Verify They're Licensed in Florida

This is non-negotiable. Florida law requires contractors to be licensed, and for good reason.

Why Florida Contractor Licenses Matter

Florida's contractor licensing system exists to protect homeowners. To get licensed, contractors must:

Pass comprehensive exams on building codes, safety, and construction practices
Demonstrate financial responsibility
Maintain liability insurance and workers' compensation
Submit to background checks
Continue education to stay current with code changes

How to Verify a Florida Contractor License

Ask for their license number - Any legitimate contractor will gladly provide this
Look it up on the Florida DBPR website - Go to MyFloridaLicense.com
Verify it's current and active - Expired or suspended licenses are red flags
Check for complaints or disciplinary actions - The database shows if homeowners have filed complaints

Example: Spaffords Construction holds Florida Contractor License #RR-0066881. You can verify this anytime on the state website.

Types of Florida Contractor Licenses

Not all contractor licenses are the same:

Certified General Contractor - Can do any type of construction statewide
Registered General Contractor - Can work in specific counties (like Citrus County)
Certified Building Contractor - Residential construction
Specialty Contractors - Licensed for specific trades (plumbing, electrical, roofing)

For major remodeling projects in Inverness, you want a Registered or Certified General Contractor who can oversee all aspects of the job.

Step 2: Confirm Insurance Coverage

Licensed doesn't automatically mean insured. You need to verify two types of insurance:

General Liability Insurance

Protects you if the contractor damages your property. For example:

Worker drops tools through your ceiling
Equipment damages your landscaping
Water line is accidentally broken during demolition

What to do: Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and verify it's current. Call the insurance company directly if you want to be certain.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property. Florida law requires this for most contractors with employees.

Why this matters: Without workers' comp, an injured worker could potentially sue you as the property owner.

What to do: Ask for proof of workers' comp coverage. If they claim to be exempt, ask to see their Certificate of Exemption from the state.

Step 3: Check Local References and Reviews

Online reviews are helpful, but talking to actual Inverness homeowners is better.

What to Ask References

When a contractor provides references (and they should), call them and ask:

What type of work did they do for you?
Did they complete the project on time?
Did they stay within budget? Any surprise costs?
How was their communication throughout the project?
Did they clean up daily and respect your home?
How did they handle problems or unexpected issues?
Did the work pass inspections on the first try?
Would you hire them again?

Where to Find Reviews for Inverness Contractors

Google Business Profile - Most authentic local reviews
Better Business Bureau (BBB) - Shows complaints and resolution
Facebook - Often shows projects with photos
Nextdoor - Neighbors' recommendations in Inverness
Angi/HomeAdvisor - Aggregated contractor reviews

Red flag: If a contractor has NO online presence or reviews in 2026, that's suspicious. Either they're brand new or they're not legitimate.

Step 4: Experience with Your Type of Project

Not all contractors are equally skilled at all types of projects.

Citrus County-Specific Experience Matters

Inverness homes have unique characteristics:

Many were built in the 1960s-1980s with specific construction methods
Florida's humidity and weather require special considerations
Citrus County has local building codes and requirements
Older homes may have outdated electrical or plumbing systems
Some areas have specific HOA requirements

A contractor with 45 years of experience in Inverness understands these challenges. Someone from out of town may not.

Questions to Ask About Experience

How many [kitchen/bathroom/addition] projects have you completed in Citrus County?
Can I see photos of recent projects similar to mine?
Have you worked on homes built in [your home's decade]?
What challenges do you typically encounter in Inverness homes?
Do you have relationships with local building inspectors?

Established local contractors have relationships with inspectors, suppliers, and subcontractors. This makes your project smoother.

Step 5: Get Detailed Written Estimates

Never hire a contractor based on a verbal estimate or handshake agreement. Get everything in writing.

What a Proper Estimate Should Include

A professional estimate should detail:

Scope of work - Exactly what will be done, room by room
Materials specifications - Brands, models, quality levels
Timeline - Start date, duration, completion date
Payment schedule - When payments are due (never pay 100% upfront!)
Who pulls permits - The contractor should handle this
Cleanup and disposal - How debris will be handled
Warranty information - What's covered and for how long

Red Flags in Estimates

Watch out for:

Vague descriptions - "Kitchen remodel" without specifics
Suspiciously low bids - If it's half the price of others, question why
Large upfront payments - Florida law limits deposits to 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) for jobs under $200,000
Missing permit costs - Permits aren't optional; they should be included
No timeline - "We'll start when we can finish the previous job"

Step 6: Review the Contract Carefully

Once you choose a contractor, you'll sign a contract. Read every word before signing.

What Should Be in Your Contract

Florida law requires contracts to include:

Contractor's name, address, and license number
Description of work to be performed
Total cost and payment schedule
Start and completion dates (or estimated timeframe)
Information about your 3-day right to cancel (for contracts signed at your home)

Additional Contract Clauses to Discuss

Smart homeowners also include:

Change order process - How additional work will be priced and approved
Daily cleanup requirements - Keep your home livable during construction
Communication expectations - How often you'll receive updates
Inspection contingencies - Work must pass inspections before final payment
Warranty terms - Both for materials and workmanship
Dispute resolution - How disagreements will be handled

Florida's 3-Day Right to Cancel

If a contractor visits your home and you sign a contract there, Florida law gives you 3 business days to cancel with no penalty. The contractor must inform you of this right in writing.

Step 7: Verify Permits Will Be Pulled

Permits aren't optional red tape—they protect you.

Why Building Permits Matter in Citrus County

Permits ensure:

Work meets Florida Building Code standards
Electrical work is safe and won't cause fires
Plumbing modifications won't leak or contaminate water
Structural changes won't compromise your home's integrity
Your homeowners insurance remains valid
You can sell your home without issues

What Requires Permits in Inverness

Most remodeling projects require permits:

Kitchen remodeling (electrical, plumbing, or gas work)
Bathroom renovations (moving plumbing or walls)
Home additions (always require permits)
Structural changes (removing or adding walls)
Electrical panel upgrades or new circuits
HVAC installation or modifications

Your contractor should handle all permit applications and inspections. If they suggest skipping permits to "save money," find a different contractor.

How to Verify Permits

After your contractor says they pulled permits, verify:

Visit the Citrus County Building Department website
Search by your address
Confirm the permit is actually filed and in the contractor's name
Check that inspections are being scheduled and passed

Step 8: Communication and Professionalism

How a contractor communicates before the job indicates how they'll communicate during it.

Green Flags in Communication

Responds to calls and emails promptly (within 24-48 hours)
Answers questions patiently and thoroughly
Provides references without hesitation
Shows up on time for meetings
Listens to your ideas and concerns
Explains technical issues in terms you understand
Sets realistic expectations (doesn't promise the impossible)

Red Flags in Communication

Pressure to sign immediately ("This price is only good today")
Vague or evasive answers to direct questions
Reluctant to provide references or documentation
Dismissive of your concerns ("Don't worry about it")
Poor phone/email etiquette
Shows up late or misses appointments without notice

Step 9: Trust Your Gut

After checking licenses, insurance, references, and reviews, trust your instincts.

If something feels off—even if you can't pinpoint why—it's okay to keep looking. You're going to work closely with this contractor for weeks or months. You need someone you trust.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Do I feel comfortable with this person in my home?
Do they seem honest and straightforward?
Are they genuinely interested in my project, or just making a sale?
Do their answers and documentation match what they're saying?
Would I recommend this contractor to my parents or best friend?

If you can't answer "yes" to these questions, keep looking.

Red Flags That Should End the Conversation

Some red flags are automatic disqualifiers:

Unlicensed or "License Pending"

"I'm working on getting my license" means they don't have one. Don't hire them. If something goes wrong, you have no recourse through the state licensing board.

No Written Contract

"We can just do a handshake deal" leaves you with zero legal protection. Professional contractors always use written contracts.

Requests Full Payment Upfront

Legitimate contractors don't need 100% payment before starting. Florida law specifically limits upfront deposits. Anyone asking for full payment upfront is a major red flag.

No Physical Business Address

A contractor should have a verifiable business location. A Gmail address and cell phone number aren't enough. Check Google, the business license database, and tax records.

Insists on Cash-Only Payments

While some contractors offer cash discounts, those who only accept cash may be avoiding taxes—or worse, may not be licensed at all. You want a paper trail for your protection.

"We don't need permits for this"

Contractors who suggest skipping permits are either ignorant of the law or deliberately avoiding inspections. Either way, they're not someone you want working on your home.

What Makes Spaffords Construction Different

We've been serving Inverness and Citrus County homeowners since 1981. Here's what we believe every contractor should offer:

40+ Years of Local Experience

We've worked on hundreds of homes in Inverness, Crystal River, Lecanto, Homosassa, and throughout Citrus County. We understand local building codes, common challenges in older Florida homes, and exactly what permits and inspections are required.

Licensed and Insured (Verifiable)

Florida Contractor License #RR-0066881 (look us up anytime)
Full general liability insurance
Workers' compensation coverage for all employees
No subcontractors without proper licensing

Transparent Pricing and Communication

Detailed, itemized estimates showing exactly what you're paying for
No surprise charges or hidden fees
Regular project updates so you always know the status
We answer our phone (try calling—we'll actually pick up)

Permits and Inspections Handled

We handle all permit applications and coordinate inspections with Citrus County. You never have to visit the building department yourself.

Lifetime Workmanship Warranty

We stand behind our work with a lifetime warranty on workmanship. If there's ever an issue with how we installed something, we'll fix it—no matter how long ago we completed the project.

Questions to Ask ANY Contractor (Including Us)

Don't just take our word for it. Ask any contractor you're considering:

Licensing and Insurance Questions

What's your Florida contractor license number?
How long have you been licensed in Florida?
Can you provide proof of general liability and workers' comp insurance?
Have you ever had disciplinary actions or complaints filed against you?

Experience and References Questions

How many [type of project] have you completed in Citrus County?
Can you provide 3-5 recent references I can call?
Do you have photos of similar projects you've completed?
How long have you been working in Inverness specifically?

Project-Specific Questions

Will you pull all necessary permits?
What's the estimated timeline from start to finish?
Who will be on-site managing the project daily?
Do you use subcontractors? If so, are they licensed?
How do you handle unexpected issues or change orders?

Financial and Contract Questions

What's your payment schedule?
What's included in your warranty?
Do you offer any financing options?
What happens if I'm not satisfied with the work?

Practical Questions

How do you protect my home during construction?
Will I be able to live in my home during the project?
What's your cleanup process?

Any professional contractor should answer these questions confidently and completely.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Even with the best contractor, issues can arise. Here's your recourse if problems develop:

Step 1: Document Everything

Take photos and videos of any issues
Keep all written communication (texts, emails)
Document conversations with dates and times
Save all contracts, estimates, and receipts

Step 2: Communicate Your Concerns

Talk to the contractor directly first
Put your concerns in writing (email creates a record)
Give them a reasonable opportunity to address issues
Stay calm and professional

Step 3: Escalate If Necessary

If the contractor won't resolve the issue:

File a complaint with the Florida DBPR - The licensing board can investigate licensed contractors
Contact your homeowners insurance - If there's property damage
File with the Better Business Bureau - Creates a public record
Consider legal action - Small claims court for amounts under $8,000, or consult an attorney

Step 4: Learn from the Experience

Even negative experiences teach valuable lessons. Share your experience (honestly) in online reviews to help other Inverness homeowners avoid similar issues.

Final Thoughts: Take Your Time

Choosing a contractor is too important to rush. Take time to:

Interview multiple contractors
Check licenses and insurance thoroughly
Call references and read reviews
Compare detailed written estimates
Ask questions until you're satisfied
Trust your instincts

A good contractor will respect your need for due diligence. Anyone who pressures you to sign immediately isn't someone you want in your home.

Ready to Start Your Inverness Remodeling Project?

If you're looking for a licensed, experienced general contractor in Inverness, we'd love to earn your trust.

Call us at 352-726-7855 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation and estimate.

We'll provide:

Proof of our Florida contractor license and insurance
Detailed, itemized written estimate
References from recent Inverness projects
Timeline and project plan
Answers to all your questions

No pressure, no sales tactics—just honest information so you can make the best decision for your home.

Spaffords Construction & Remodeling, Inc. has served Citrus County homeowners since 1981. Florida Contractor License #RR-0066881. Fully insured and committed to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.