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 that you protect your budget, timeline, and sanity.
Skipping Due Diligence on the Contractor
Too many homeowners hire the primary one that calls back. Always confirm licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and relevant permits. Ask for at least three current references and actually call them. Evaluate a portfolio of comparable projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds may not be the perfect fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.
Choosing Solely on the Lowest Bid
A rock-backside estimate can signal lacking scope, subpar supplies, or unrealistic timelines. Examine “apples to apples” by asking each 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 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 stable contract should 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 structure is a modest mobilization payment, staged progress payments after inspections or defined deliverables, and a retainage at 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
Particular-order home windows, custom cabinets, and certain electrical elements can take weeks. Approve choices early and confirm lead occasions earlier than demolition. Ask your contractor to sequence procurement so critical-path items arrive earlier than they’re needed.
Poor Communication Cadence
Silence breeds nervousness and mistakes. Set a standing weekly check-in (15–30 minutes) to review progress, upcoming selections, and issues. Resolve which channel is official (electronic mail for decisions, 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 boundaries, and daily cleanup. Clarify work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and the way the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics stop friction and callbacks.
Paying for Materials Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended “I’ll buy the fixtures myself” moves can backfire with lacking parts, fallacious specs, and no warranty handling. If you want to purchase some items, align with the contractor on precise SKUs, quantities, delivery timing, and who inspects shipments. Somebody should own fit and compatibility.
Not Planning for Contingency
Hidden points—rotten subfloors, outdated wiring—surface once walls open. Set aside a ten–15% contingency in each budget and schedule. You’ll make faster, calmer selections 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, retailers, plumbing, and appliances. Gather lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-built photos. Launch remaining 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 well timed selections, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you both agreed on.
By vetting caretotally, insisting on specificity, communicating constantly, and honoring a professional process, you’ll avoid the most common missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.
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