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. 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 confirm licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and related permits. Ask for a minimum of three latest references and really call them. Evaluation a portfolio of similar projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds might not be one of the best fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.
Choosing Solely on the Lowest Bid
A rock-backside estimate can signal lacking scope, subpar materials, or unrealistic timelines. Evaluate “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 often 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, supplies (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 ought to outline payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion home windows, change order procedures, warranties, dispute resolution, site access, and cleanup. Avoid giant 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 selections and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Occasions and Supply Risk
Special-order home windows, customized cabinets, and certain electrical elements 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 anxiousness and mistakes. Set a standing weekly check-in (15–30 minutes) to overview progress, upcoming selections, and issues. Decide which channel is official (email for decisions, 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, dust obstacles, and each day cleanup. Clarify work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and how the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics stop friction and callbacks.
Paying for Supplies Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended “I’ll purchase the fixtures myself” moves can backfire with lacking parts, wrong 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 once partitions open. Set aside a ten–15% contingency in both budget and schedule. You’ll make faster, calmer selections 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, retailers, plumbing, and appliances. Acquire lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-built photos. Release closing payment only after punch list completion.
Micromanaging—or Disengaging Totally
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 careabsolutely, insisting on particularity, speaking constantly, and honoring a professional process, you’ll keep away from the commonest missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.
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