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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 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 first one that calls back. Always confirm licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and related permits. Ask for at least three latest references and truly call them. Assessment a portfolio of similar projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds may 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 lacking scope, subpar materials, or unrealistic timelines. Compare "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 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, 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 strong contract should outline 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 on 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 trigger a written change order with cost and schedule impact, signed earlier than work proceeds. This disciplines decisions and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Times and Supply Risk
Special-order home windows, custom cabinets, and sure electrical parts can take weeks. Approve picks early and confirm 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–half-hour) to overview progress, upcoming choices, and issues. Resolve which channel is official (e-mail for choices, shared folder for drawings, textual content 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 every day cleanup. Clarify work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and the way the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics prevent friction and callbacks.
Paying for Materials Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended "I’ll purchase the fixtures myself" moves can backfire with lacking parts, mistaken 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 must own fit and compatibility.
Not Planning for Contingency
Hidden points—rotten subfloors, outdated wiring—surface as soon as partitions open. Set aside a ten–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 a radical walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, retailers, plumbing, and appliances. Gather lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed photos. Launch remaining 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 decisions, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you both agreed on.
By vetting caretotally, insisting on particularity, speaking consistently, 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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