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 below are widespread mistakes to keep away from so you protect your budget, timeline, and sanity.

Skipping Due Diligence on the Cedar city concrete contractor
Too many homeowners hire the first one who calls back. Always verify licensing, insurance (general liability and workers’ comp), and related permits. Ask for a minimum of three current references and actually call them. Evaluate a portfolio of comparable projects, not just any project. A contractor who excels at new builds is probably not the perfect fit for a surgical interior remodel with tight constraints.

Choosing Solely on the Lowest Bid
A rock-bottom estimate can signal missing scope, subpar supplies, or unrealistic timelines. Compare "apples to apples" by asking every 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, 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 stable contract ought to define payment schedule tied to milestones, start and completion home 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 on 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 (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 Times and Supply Risk
Particular-order windows, custom cabinets, and sure electrical components can take weeks. Approve alternatives early and confirm lead times earlier than demolition. Ask your contractor to sequence procurement so critical-path items arrive earlier than they’re needed.

Poor Communication Cadence
Silence breeds anxiety and mistakes. Set a standing weekly check-in (15–half-hour) to review progress, upcoming decisions, and issues. Decide which channel is official (e-mail 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, mud obstacles, and each day cleanup. Clarify work hours, restroom access, dumpster placement, and the way the crew secures the site. Proactive logistics prevent friction and callbacks.

Paying for Supplies Directly (Without Coordination)
Well-intended "I’ll buy the fixtures myself" moves can backfire with lacking parts, mistaken specs, and no warranty handling. If you wish to buy some items, align with the contractor on exact 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 as soon as partitions open. Set aside a ten–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 end line. Conduct an intensive walkthrough and create a punch list. Test doors, drawers, outlets, plumbing, and appliances. Collect lien releases, warranties, manuals, paint codes, and as-built photos. Launch closing 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 selections, trust the process, and hold your contractor accountable to the plan you each agreed on.

By vetting carefully, insisting on particularity, communicating consistently, and honoring a professional process, you’ll avoid the commonest missteps and set your project up for a crisp, predictable finish.