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Common Mistakes to Keep away from 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. Here are frequent 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 confirm licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and related permits. Ask for at the very least three current references and actually call them. Evaluation a portfolio of comparable projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds might not be the perfect fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.

 

 

Selecting Solely on the Lowest Bid

 

A rock-backside estimate can signal lacking scope, subpar materials, or unrealistic timelines. Compare "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.

 

 

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

 

 

Weak Contract Terms

 

A solid contract ought to outline payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion windows, change order procedures, warranties, dispute resolution, site access, and cleanup. Keep away from 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 value determinations, 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—ought to set off a written change order with cost and schedule impact, signed earlier than work proceeds. This disciplines decisions and preserves goodwill.

 

 

Underestimating Lead Instances and Supply Risk

 

Particular-order windows, customized cabinets, and sure electrical parts can take weeks. Approve selections early and verify lead occasions before 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 overview progress, upcoming choices, and issues. Resolve which channel is official (email for selections, shared folder for drawings, textual content 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 boundaries, and day by day cleanup. Clarify work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and how 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 missing parts, mistaken specs, and no warranty handling. If you wish 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 as soon as walls open. Set aside a 10–15% contingency in each budget and schedule. You’ll make faster, calmer decisions 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, shops, plumbing, and appliances. Accumulate lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed photos. Launch closing 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 selections, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you each agreed on.

 

 

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

 

 

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Website: https://phillipsbuilders.biz/

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