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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 or not you’re remodeling a kitchen or building an addition, a smooth partnership starts with knowing the pitfalls. Listed below are common mistakes to avoid 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 verify licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and relevant permits. Ask for at the least three latest references and truly call them. Overview a portfolio of comparable projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds might not be the very best fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.
Choosing Solely on the Lowest Bid
A rock-backside estimate can signal missing scope, subpar materials, or unrealistic timelines. Examine "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.
Imprecise 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 finish schedules to the contract. Precision now prevents finger-pointing later.
Weak Contract Terms
A solid contract ought to define payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion windows, change order procedures, warranties, dispute resolution, site access, and cleanup. Avoid giant upfront deposits; a typical construction is a modest mobilization payment, staged progress payments after inspections or defined deliverables, and a retainage on 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 (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 trigger a written change order with cost and schedule impact, signed before work proceeds. This disciplines selections and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Times and Supply Risk
Particular-order home windows, customized cabinets, and sure electrical parts can take weeks. Approve choices early and verify lead instances before 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 (15–30 minutes) to overview progress, upcoming decisions, and issues. Determine which channel is official (electronic mail for selections, shared folder for drawings, textual content 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 obstacles, and daily cleanup. Make clear 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 buy the fixtures myself" moves can backfire with lacking parts, mistaken specs, and no warranty handling. If you want to buy some items, align with the contractor on precise 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 once walls 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 a radical walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, retailers, plumbing, and appliances. Accumulate lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-built photos. Release closing payment only after punch list completion.
Micromanaging—or Disengaging Fully
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 carefully, insisting on specificity, speaking persistently, and honoring a professional process, you’ll avoid the commonest missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.
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