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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 that you protect your budget, timeline, and sanity.

 

 

Skipping Due Diligence on the Contractor

 

Too many homeowners hire the primary one who calls back. Always confirm licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and related permits. Ask for at the very least three latest references and truly call them. Overview a portfolio of similar projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds will 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 lacking scope, subpar materials, or unrealistic timelines. Evaluate "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.

 

 

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

 

 

Weak Contract Terms

 

A stable contract ought to define payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion 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 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 set off 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

 

Particular-order windows, customized cabinets, and sure electrical elements can take weeks. Approve selections early and confirm 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 anxiousness and mistakes. Set a standing weekly check-in (15–half-hour) to review progress, upcoming selections, and issues. Determine 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

 

Mud, noise, parking, and neighbor relations matter. Require floor and furniture protection, mud obstacles, and daily cleanup. Clarify work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and the way the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics forestall friction and callbacks.

 

 

Paying for Supplies Directly (Without Coordination)

 

Well-intended "I’ll purchase the fixtures myself" moves can backfire with lacking parts, fallacious specs, and no warranty handling. If you want to buy some items, align with the contractor on precise 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 as soon as 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 an intensive walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, shops, plumbing, and appliances. Gather lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-built photos. Release final payment only after punch list completion.

 

 

Micromanaging—or Disengaging Entirely

 

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 each agreed on.

 

 

By vetting carefully, insisting on specificity, speaking constantly, 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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