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 here 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 a minimum of three latest references and truly call them. Evaluation a portfolio of comparable projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds is probably not 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 supplies, or unrealistic timelines. Examine “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 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, 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 should define payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion home 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 value determinations, 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 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 windows, customized cabinets, and sure electrical parts can take weeks. Approve selections early and confirm lead instances 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 overview progress, upcoming choices, and issues. Decide 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
Mud, noise, parking, and neighbor relations matter. Require floor and furniture protection, mud obstacles, and each day cleanup. Clarify work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and how 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, flawed specs, and no warranty handling. If you want to buy some items, align with the contractor on actual SKUs, quantities, delivery timing, and who inspects shipments. Somebody must own fit and compatibility.
Not Planning for Contingency
Hidden issues—rotten subfloors, outdated wiring—surface once walls open. Set aside a 10–15% 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 finish line. Conduct a radical walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, outlets, plumbing, and appliances. Collect lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed photos. Release final 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 timely decisions, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you both agreed on.
By vetting carefully, insisting on specificity, communicating consistently, 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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