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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 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 keep away from so you protect your budget, timeline, and sanity.
Skipping Due Diligence on the Contractor
Too many homeowners hire the primary one that calls back. Always verify licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and relevant permits. Ask for at the least three latest references and really call them. Assessment a portfolio of similar projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds may not be 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. 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 typically 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, materials (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 ought to outline payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion windows, change order procedures, warranties, dispute resolution, site access, and cleanup. Avoid large 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 value determinations, 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 set off a written change order with cost and schedule impact, signed before work proceeds. This disciplines choices and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Times and Supply Risk
Particular-order home windows, custom cabinets, and certain electrical parts can take weeks. Approve choices early and verify lead times before demolition. Ask your contractor to sequence procurement so critical-path items arrive before they’re needed.
Poor Communication Cadence
Silence breeds nervousness and mistakes. Set a standing weekly check-in (15–half-hour) to assessment progress, upcoming choices, and issues. Decide which channel is official (e mail for selections, 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, mud barriers, and day by day cleanup. Clarify work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and how the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics prevent friction and callbacks.
Paying for Supplies Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended "I’ll buy the fixtures myself" moves can backfire with missing 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. Somebody should own fit and compatibility.
Not Planning for Contingency
Hidden issues—rotten subfloors, outdated wiring—surface once walls open. Set aside a ten–15% contingency in both budget and schedule. You’ll make faster, calmer choices 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, outlets, plumbing, and appliances. Accumulate lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed photos. Release closing 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 well timed choices, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you each agreed on.
By vetting careabsolutely, insisting on specificity, speaking persistently, and honoring a professional process, you’ll avoid the most typical missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.
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