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 frequent 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 verify licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and relevant permits. Ask for at the very least three recent references and truly call them. Assessment a portfolio of similar projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds is probably not the perfect fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.
Selecting Solely on the Lowest Bid
A rock-bottom estimate can signal lacking scope, subpar supplies, or unrealistic timelines. Compare «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 typically 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 end schedules to the contract. Precision now prevents finger-pointing later.
Weak Contract Terms
A solid contract should outline payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion windows, change order procedures, warranties, dispute resolution, site access, and cleanup. Keep away from giant upfront deposits; a typical construction 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 (normally 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 decisions and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Times and Supply Risk
Special-order home windows, customized cabinets, and sure 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 before they’re needed.
Poor Communication Cadence
Silence breeds anxiousness and mistakes. Set a standing weekly check-in (15–half-hour) to evaluation progress, upcoming selections, and issues. Resolve which channel is official (email for choices, 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 barriers, 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 purchase the fixtures myself» moves can backfire with lacking parts, unsuitable specs, and no warranty handling. If you wish to purchase some items, align with the contractor on exact 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 as soon as partitions open. Set aside a ten–15% contingency in both budget and schedule. You’ll make faster, calmer selections 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, outlets, plumbing, and appliances. Accumulate lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-built photos. Release ultimate 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 decisions, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you both agreed on.
By vetting caretotally, insisting on particularity, communicating consistently, 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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