Contact City staff or visit Cibolo City website to know the required paperwork, permits, and inspections. Lots of information pages and FAQs available;
You can schedule an optional pre-design meeting with City staff. Depending on the project, they will go over step by step what is needed in the construction process. The contractor/designer is welcome to attend this meeting;
Interview several contractors and compare several quotes before making a decision on who to hire;
Ask factual questions to the City of Cibolo on their work within the City. Examples: How many similar jobs has the contractor done in the City limits? Has the contractor ever not finished a job in Cibolo? Did the contractor submit all required paperwork to Cibolo staff (i.e. registration, permits);
Get a written contract outlining work to be completed in detail along with the costs and payment plan;
Make sure contract clearly states the responsibility of both the owner and contractor;
Do not pay in full upfront. Pay only for completed (approved) work. Make sure payment schedule is documented in the contract;
Upon completion of work, make final agreed upon payment.