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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. Here are common mistakes to avoid so you protect your budget, timeline, and sanity.
Skipping Due Diligence on the Contractor
Too many homeowners hire the primary person who calls back. Always confirm licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and relevant permits. Ask for at the least three current references and actually call them. Evaluate a portfolio of comparable 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-bottom estimate can signal missing scope, subpar materials, or unrealistic timelines. Evaluate "apples to apples" by asking every 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.
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 solid contract should 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 structure is a modest mobilization payment, staged progress payments after inspections or defined deliverables, and a retainage at the end till punch list completion.
Not Getting Permits or Inspections
Skipping permits to "save time" is risky. Unpermitted work can derail appraisals, 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 Instances and Supply Risk
Particular-order windows, custom cabinets, and sure electrical elements can take weeks. Approve alternatives early and confirm lead times 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–half-hour) to assessment progress, upcoming choices, and issues. Resolve which channel is official (electronic mail 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
Mud, noise, parking, and neighbor relations matter. Require floor and furniture protection, mud barriers, and day by day cleanup. Make clear 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 lacking parts, flawed specs, and no warranty handling. If you want to buy some items, align with the contractor on exact SKUs, quantities, delivery timing, and who inspects shipments. Someone must own fit and compatibility.
Not Planning for Contingency
Hidden points—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 selections if the cushion is already there.
Overlooking Final Walkthrough and Documentation
Don’t rush the finish line. Conduct a thorough walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, retailers, plumbing, and appliances. Collect lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed 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 both agreed on.
By vetting caretotally, insisting on particularity, communicating persistently, 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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