Working with a general contractor can make—or break—your project. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen or building an addition, a smooth partnership starts with knowing the pitfalls. Listed below are frequent mistakes to keep away from so that you protect your budget, timeline, and sanity.
Skipping Due Diligence on the Contractor
Too many homeowners hire the primary one who calls back. Always verify licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and related permits. Ask for not less than three recent 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 perfect fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.
Selecting Solely on the Lowest Bid
A rock-backside estimate can signal missing scope, subpar materials, or unrealistic timelines. Compare “apples to apples” by asking every bidder to cost 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 usually costs less in change orders and delays.
Vague 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 end schedules to the contract. Precision now prevents finger-pointing later.
Weak Contract Terms
A stable contract should define payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion home windows, change order procedures, warranties, dispute resolution, site access, and cleanup. Keep away from massive upfront deposits; a typical construction 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 (usually 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—should set off a written change order with cost and schedule impact, signed before work proceeds. This disciplines decisions and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Times and Supply Risk
Particular-order home windows, customized cabinets, and certain electrical parts can take weeks. Approve selections early and verify lead instances before 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 (15–30 minutes) to assessment progress, upcoming choices, and issues. Decide which channel is official (e mail for choices, shared folder for drawings, text for urgent on-site questions). Keep all approvals in one place.
Ignoring Site Logistics and Protection
Mud, noise, parking, and neighbor relations matter. Require floor and furniture protection, mud boundaries, and daily cleanup. Make clear work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and how the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics forestall friction and callbacks.
Paying for Supplies Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended “I’ll buy the fixtures myself” moves can backfire with lacking parts, wrong specs, and no warranty handling. If you want to purchase some items, align with the contractor on actual SKUs, quantities, delivery timing, and who inspects shipments. Somebody must own fit and compatibility.
Not Planning for Contingency
Hidden points—rotten subfloors, outdated wiring—surface once partitions open. Set aside a ten–15% contingency in both budget and schedule. You’ll make faster, calmer choices if the cushion is already there.
Overlooking Final Walkthrough and Documentation
Don’t rush the end line. Conduct an intensive walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, outlets, plumbing, and appliances. Accumulate lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed photos. Launch final payment only after punch list completion.
Micromanaging—or Disengaging Fully
Hovering over trades slows work and strains relationships; disappearing causes delays and guesswork. Be available for well timed decisions, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you both agreed on.
By vetting carefully, insisting on particularity, speaking persistently, and honoring a professional process, you’ll avoid the most common missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.
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