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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 widespread 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 a minimum of three recent references and really call them. Evaluate a portfolio of similar projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds will not be the very 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 supplies, or unrealistic timelines. Evaluate "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 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 an in depth 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 home 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 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 (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—should set off a written change order with cost and schedule impact, signed earlier than work proceeds. This disciplines choices and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Occasions and Supply Risk
Particular-order windows, customized cabinets, and certain electrical elements can take weeks. Approve alternatives early and verify lead occasions earlier than demolition. Ask your contractor to sequence procurement so critical-path items arrive before they’re needed.
Poor Communication Cadence
Silence breeds anxiousness and mistakes. Set a standing weekly check-in (15–30 minutes) to review progress, upcoming decisions, and issues. Resolve which channel is official (electronic mail for choices, 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 barriers, and day by day cleanup. Make clear 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 buy the fixtures myself" moves can backfire with lacking parts, flawed 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. Someone must own fit and compatibility.
Not Planning for Contingency
Hidden points—rotten subfloors, outdated wiring—surface once partitions 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 a radical walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, retailers, plumbing, and appliances. Acquire lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed photos. Launch final 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 selections, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you both agreed on.
By vetting careabsolutely, insisting on specificity, 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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