@maddisonhartwick
Profile
Registered: 1 month, 2 weeks ago
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 common mistakes to keep away from so that 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 related permits. Ask for not less than three current references and truly call them. Assessment a portfolio of comparable projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds is probably not one of the best fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.
Choosing 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.
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 finish schedules to the contract. Precision now prevents finger-pointing later.
Weak Contract Terms
A solid contract ought to outline payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion windows, change order procedures, warranties, dispute resolution, site access, and cleanup. Keep away from large 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 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—ought to trigger a written change order with cost and schedule impact, signed before work proceeds. This disciplines decisions and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Occasions and Supply Risk
Special-order home windows, custom cabinets, and certain electrical parts can take weeks. Approve selections early and confirm lead instances before 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 evaluation progress, upcoming selections, and issues. Determine which channel is official (e-mail for decisions, shared folder for drawings, text 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, dust limitations, 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, mistaken specs, and no warranty handling. If you wish to buy some items, align with the contractor on exact 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 10–15% contingency in each 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 an intensive walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, outlets, plumbing, and appliances. Acquire lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed photos. Release final 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 selections, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you both agreed on.
By vetting caretotally, insisting on particularity, speaking persistently, and honoring a professional process, you’ll keep away from the commonest missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.
If you loved this article and you also would like to acquire more info regarding Southern Utah concrete services nicely visit our page.
Website: https://phillipsbuilders.biz/
Forums
Topics Started: 0
Replies Created: 0
Forum Role: Participant