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. 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 confirm licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and related permits. Ask for a minimum of three latest references and truly call them. Assessment a portfolio of comparable projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds might not be the best fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.
Selecting 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 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 finish 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 home windows, change order procedures, warranties, dispute resolution, site access, and cleanup. Keep away from large 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 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—should set off a written change order with cost and schedule impact, signed earlier than work proceeds. This disciplines choices and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Instances and Supply Risk
Particular-order home windows, custom cabinets, and sure electrical parts can take weeks. Approve choices early and verify lead times earlier than demolition. Ask your contractor to sequence procurement so critical-path items arrive earlier than they’re needed.
Poor Communication Cadence
Silence breeds anxiety and mistakes. Set a standing weekly check-in (15–30 minutes) to review progress, upcoming choices, and issues. Resolve which channel is official (e mail for decisions, shared folder for drawings, textual content 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 boundaries, and day by day cleanup. Make clear work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and how the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics forestall friction and callbacks.
Paying for Materials Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended “I’ll purchase the fixtures myself” moves can backfire with missing parts, incorrect specs, and no warranty handling. If you wish to buy some items, align with the contractor on exact 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 ten–15% contingency in each budget and schedule. You’ll make faster, calmer choices 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, shops, plumbing, and appliances. Collect lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-built photos. Release ultimate payment only after punch list completion.
Micromanaging—or Disengaging Completely
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, speaking consistently, and honoring a professional process, you’ll keep away from the most common missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.
Here is more information about Concrete in cedar city Utah take a look at our own webpage.