Working with a general contractor can make—or break—your project. Whether or not you’re remodeling a kitchen or building an addition, a smooth partnership starts with knowing the pitfalls. Listed below are widespread mistakes to avoid so that you protect your budget, timeline, and sanity.
Skipping Due Diligence on the Contractor
Too many homeowners hire the first one that calls back. Always verify licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and relevant permits. Ask for not less than three latest references and truly call them. Overview a portfolio of similar projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds might not be the very best fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.
Choosing Solely on the Lowest Bid
A rock-bottom estimate can signal lacking scope, subpar materials, or unrealistic timelines. Compare “apples to apples” by asking every bidder to price the same scope, brands, and allowances. Look for clear line items: demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, finishes, cleanup. A mid-range, transparent bid from a responsive contractor typically costs less in change orders and delays.
Obscure or Incomplete Scope of Work
If it’s not written, it’s up for debate. Insist on a detailed scope that lists tasks, materials (with model numbers or specs), allowances for fixtures and finishes, and what’s excluded (e.g., landscaping, painting, hauling). Attach drawings and finish schedules to the contract. Precision now prevents finger-pointing later.
Weak Contract Terms
A strong contract should outline payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion windows, change order procedures, warranties, dispute resolution, site access, and cleanup. Avoid large upfront deposits; a typical structure is a modest mobilization payment, staged progress payments after inspections or defined deliverables, and a retainage on the end until punch list completion.
Not Getting Permits or Inspections
Skipping permits to “save time” is risky. Unpermitted work can derail value determinations, void insurance claims, and force costly rework. Confirm who pulls permits (normally the contractor) and build inspection milestones into your calendar. Passed inspections protect you.
Scope Creep Without Change Orders
Small tweaks add up. Any change—swapping tile, moving a wall, adding recessed lights—ought to trigger a written change order with cost and schedule impact, signed before work proceeds. This disciplines choices and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Instances and Supply Risk
Special-order home windows, customized cabinets, and sure electrical elements can take weeks. Approve picks early and verify lead instances earlier than demolition. Ask your contractor to sequence procurement so critical-path items arrive before they’re needed.
Poor Communication Cadence
Silence breeds anxiety and mistakes. Set a standing weekly check-in (15–half-hour) to review progress, upcoming decisions, and issues. Resolve which channel is official (electronic mail for selections, shared folder for drawings, text for urgent on-site questions). Keep all approvals in a single place.
Ignoring Site Logistics and Protection
Mud, noise, parking, and neighbor relations matter. Require floor and furniture protection, dust obstacles, and each day cleanup. Make clear work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and the way the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics prevent friction and callbacks.
Paying for Supplies Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended “I’ll buy the fixtures myself” moves can backfire with missing parts, wrong specs, and no warranty handling. If you wish to purchase some items, align with the contractor on exact SKUs, quantities, delivery timing, and who inspects shipments. Somebody should own fit and compatibility.
Not Planning for Contingency
Hidden issues—rotten subfloors, outdated wiring—surface as soon as walls open. Set aside a ten–15% contingency in each budget and schedule. You’ll make faster, calmer selections if the cushion is already there.
Overlooking Final Walkthrough and Documentation
Don’t rush the finish line. Conduct a thorough walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, retailers, plumbing, and appliances. Accumulate lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed photos. Launch ultimate payment only after punch list completion.
Micromanaging—or Disengaging Solely
Hovering over trades slows work and strains relationships; disappearing causes delays and guesswork. Be available for timely choices, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you each agreed on.
By vetting carefully, insisting on specificity, communicating constantly, and honoring a professional process, you’ll keep away from the most common missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.
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