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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 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 avoid so you protect your budget, timeline, and sanity.
Skipping Due Diligence on the Contractor
Too many homeowners hire the first person who calls back. Always confirm licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and related permits. Ask for at the least three current references and truly call them. Overview a portfolio of comparable projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds will not be one of the best fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.
Choosing Solely on the Lowest Bid
A rock-backside estimate can signal lacking scope, subpar supplies, or unrealistic timelines. Compare "apples to apples" by asking every 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, supplies (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 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 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—should trigger a written change order with cost and schedule impact, signed earlier than work proceeds. This disciplines selections and preserves goodwill.
Underestimating Lead Instances and Supply Risk
Special-order windows, customized cabinets, and certain electrical components can take weeks. Approve picks early and verify lead instances earlier than 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–half-hour) to evaluate progress, upcoming selections, and issues. Decide which channel is official (e mail for choices, shared folder for drawings, textual content 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 limitations, and each day cleanup. Make clear work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and the way the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics forestall friction and callbacks.
Paying for Materials Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended "I’ll buy the fixtures myself" moves can backfire with missing parts, fallacious specs, and no warranty handling. If you wish to purchase some items, align with the contractor on actual SKUs, quantities, delivery timing, and who inspects shipments. Someone should own fit and compatibility.
Not Planning for Contingency
Hidden points—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 end line. Conduct a thorough walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, shops, plumbing, and appliances. Collect lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-constructed photos. Release remaining 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 timely selections, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you both agreed on.
By vetting carefully, insisting on particularity, speaking consistently, 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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