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Common Mistakes to Keep away from When Working With a General Contractor
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 here are widespread 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 related permits. Ask for not less than three recent references and truly call them. Evaluation a portfolio of similar projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds is probably not the best fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.
Selecting Solely on the Lowest Bid
A rock-bottom estimate can signal lacking scope, subpar supplies, or unrealistic timelines. Examine "apples to apples" by asking each 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 often 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 an in depth 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 define payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion 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 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 (often 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 elements can take weeks. Approve picks early and verify lead occasions earlier than demolition. Ask your contractor to sequence procurement so critical-path items arrive earlier than they’re needed.
Poor Communication Cadence
Silence breeds nervousness and mistakes. Set a standing weekly check-in (15–half-hour) to overview progress, upcoming choices, 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
Dust, noise, parking, and neighbor relations matter. Require floor and furniture protection, dust boundaries, and every day cleanup. Clarify work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and the way the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics forestall friction and callbacks.
Paying for Materials Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended "I’ll buy the fixtures myself" moves can backfire with missing parts, fallacious specs, and no warranty handling. If you wish to purchase some items, align with the contractor on actual 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 each 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, retailers, plumbing, and appliances. Gather lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-built photos. Release closing payment only after punch list completion.
Micromanaging—or Disengaging Entirely
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 most common missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.
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