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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Working With a General Contractor
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 frequent mistakes to avoid so you protect your budget, timeline, and sanity.
Skipping Due Diligence on the Contractor
Too many homeowners hire the primary one that calls back. Always verify licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and relevant permits. Ask for at the very least three current references and truly call them. Assessment a portfolio of comparable projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds may 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 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.
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 strong contract ought to outline payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion home windows, change order procedures, warranties, dispute resolution, site access, and cleanup. Keep away from giant 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—should set off a written change order with cost and schedule impact, signed before work proceeds. This disciplines choices and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Times and Supply Risk
Particular-order home windows, custom cabinets, and certain electrical components can take weeks. Approve choices early and verify lead instances earlier than demolition. Ask your contractor to sequence procurement so critical-path items arrive earlier than they’re needed.
Poor Communication Cadence
Silence breeds anxiety and mistakes. Set a standing weekly check-in (15–30 minutes) to evaluation progress, upcoming choices, and issues. Determine which channel is official (email for decisions, shared folder for drawings, textual content 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, dust limitations, and each day cleanup. Clarify work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and the way the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics stop friction and callbacks.
Paying for Materials Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended "I’ll purchase the fixtures myself" moves can backfire with missing parts, unsuitable specs, and no warranty handling. If you want 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 points—rotten subfloors, outdated wiring—surface once walls 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, shops, plumbing, and appliances. Gather lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-built photos. Launch final 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 both agreed on.
By vetting careabsolutely, insisting on specificity, speaking persistently, 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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