Common Mistakes To Avoid 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 keep away from so 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 really call them. Overview a portfolio of comparable projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds may not be the very best fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.

Choosing Solely on the Lowest Bid
A rock-backside estimate can signal missing scope, subpar supplies, 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.

Obscure 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 stable 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 massive upfront deposits; a typical construction 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 (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—ought to 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
Special-order windows, custom cabinets, and certain electrical elements can take weeks. Approve selections early and verify lead occasions before demolition. Ask your Southern Utah concrete 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 overview progress, upcoming decisions, 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, dust barriers, and daily cleanup. Clarify work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and how the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics stop friction and callbacks.

Paying for Supplies 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 want to buy some items, align with the contractor on exact 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 walls open. Set aside a ten–15% contingency in both budget and schedule. You’ll make faster, calmer selections if the cushion is already there.

Overlooking Final Walkthrough and Documentation
Don’t rush the end line. Conduct an intensive walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, retailers, 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 careabsolutely, insisting on specificity, communicating consistently, and honoring a professional process, you’ll keep away from the most typical missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.