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. Here are frequent mistakes to keep away from so you protect your budget, timeline, and sanity.
Skipping Due Diligence on the Contractor
Too many homeowners hire the first person who calls back. Always verify licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and relevant permits. Ask for a minimum of three current references and actually call them. Overview a portfolio of similar projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds will not be one of the best fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.
Selecting Solely on the Lowest Bid
A rock-backside estimate can signal lacking scope, subpar supplies, or unrealistic timelines. Compare “apples to apples” by asking each 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.
Imprecise or Incomplete Scope of Work
If it’s not written, it’s up for debate. Insist on an in depth scope that lists tasks, supplies (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 define payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion home windows, change order procedures, warranties, dispute resolution, site access, and cleanup. Keep away from large upfront deposits; a typical structure is a modest mobilization payment, staged progress payments after inspections or defined deliverables, and a retainage at 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 earlier than work proceeds. This disciplines choices and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Instances and Supply Risk
Particular-order windows, custom cabinets, and sure electrical components can take weeks. Approve selections early and verify lead occasions 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 (15–30 minutes) to review progress, upcoming decisions, and issues. Decide 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
Dust, noise, parking, and neighbor relations matter. Require floor and furniture protection, mud boundaries, and every day cleanup. Make clear work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and how the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics prevent friction and callbacks.
Paying for Supplies Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended “I’ll purchase the fixtures myself” moves can backfire with missing parts, mistaken specs, and no warranty handling. If you want to buy some items, align with the contractor on actual SKUs, quantities, delivery timing, and who inspects shipments. Someone should own fit and compatibility.
Not Planning for Contingency
Hidden issues—rotten subfloors, outdated wiring—surface as soon as partitions open. Set aside a 10–15% contingency in both budget and schedule. You’ll make faster, calmer decisions if the cushion is already there.
Overlooking Final Walkthrough and Documentation
Don’t rush the finish line. Conduct a radical walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, retailers, plumbing, and appliances. Acquire lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed photos. Launch last payment only after punch list completion.
Micromanaging—or Disengaging Completely
Hovering over trades slows work and strains relationships; disappearing causes delays and guesswork. Be available for well timed choices, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you each agreed on.
By vetting carefully, insisting on particularity, speaking constantly, and honoring a professional process, you’ll avoid the commonest missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.
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