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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 you’re remodeling a kitchen or building an addition, a smooth partnership starts with knowing the pitfalls. Listed here are widespread mistakes to keep away from so you protect your budget, timeline, and sanity.

 

 

Skipping Due Diligence on the Contractor

 

Too many homeowners hire the first one that calls back. Always confirm licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and relevant permits. Ask for not less than three recent references and truly call them. Overview a portfolio of comparable projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds might not be the most effective 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. 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.

 

 

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 finish schedules to the contract. Precision now prevents finger-pointing later.

 

 

Weak Contract Terms

 

A strong contract ought to outline payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion home 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 at the end until 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 (often 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 before work proceeds. This disciplines selections and preserves goodwill.

 

 

Underestimating Lead Occasions and Supply Risk

 

Special-order windows, custom cabinets, and sure electrical components can take weeks. Approve alternatives early and verify lead instances 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 evaluate progress, upcoming decisions, and issues. Decide which channel is official (e mail for decisions, shared folder for drawings, text for urgent on-site questions). Keep all approvals in a single place.

 

 

Ignoring Site Logistics and Protection

 

Dust, noise, parking, and neighbor relations matter. Require floor and furniture protection, dust obstacles, and day by day cleanup. Make clear 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 purchase the fixtures myself" moves can backfire with lacking parts, wrong specs, and no warranty handling. If you want to purchase some items, align with the contractor on actual SKUs, quantities, delivery timing, and who inspects shipments. Someone must own fit and compatibility.

 

 

Not Planning for Contingency

 

Hidden issues—rotten subfloors, outdated wiring—surface once partitions 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, shops, plumbing, and appliances. Acquire lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed photos. Launch 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 selections, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you both agreed on.

 

 

By vetting caretotally, insisting on specificity, speaking persistently, and honoring a professional process, you’ll keep away from the most typical missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.

 

 

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