Avoid These Common Mistakes When Working with General Contractors
When it comes to home renovations, remodeling, or building projects, hiring a general contractor in Middlesex County, NJ can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes. These professionals oversee the entire process—handling permits, hiring subcontractors, managing schedules, and ensuring quality workmanship. However, even with a qualified general contractor on board, homeowners and property managers can still run into problems if they’re not careful.
Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when working with general contractors—and how to make your project run smoothly from start to finish.
1. Not Doing Proper Research Before Hiring
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is rushing into a contract without fully researching the contractor. Just because someone has a professional-looking website or came recommended doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for your specific project.
What You Should Do:
- Ask for multiple references and check them.
- Look at their past work or portfolio.
- Confirm they are licensed, bonded, and insured.
- Check reviews on Google, Yelp, or Better Business Bureau.
- Interview at least two or three general contractors before making a decision.
2. Not Getting Everything in Writing
Verbal agreements don’t hold up when issues arise. A vague or incomplete contract can lead to miscommunication, delays, and unexpected costs.
What You Should Do:
Ensure your general contractor provides a detailed written contract that includes:
- Scope of work
- Material specifications
- Start and completion dates
- Payment schedule
- Permits and responsibilities
- Warranties and guarantees
Never allow work to begin without a signed contract.
3. Ignoring Red Flags
A contractor who shows up late to meetings, avoids your questions, or pushes you to make quick decisions is waving a red flag.
What You Should Do:
Trust your instincts. If something feels off in the early stages, it may be a warning sign of future problems. Good general contractors are communicative, organized, transparent, and respectful of your time.
4. Failing to Set a Clear Budget
Even with the best contractor, if you haven’t clearly communicated your budget or expectations, you might end up spending far more than you planned.
What You Should Do:
- Be honest and clear about your budget from day one.
- Leave room for a 10–20% contingency fund for surprises.
- Request a detailed breakdown of costs from your general contractor.
- Avoid making frequent changes after the project begins, as that can drive up costs quickly.
5. Micromanaging the Contractor
While it’s important to be involved, hovering over your contractor and questioning every move can delay the project and strain the working relationship.
What You Should Do:
- Set up regular check-ins or site visits.
- Trust the process and allow the general contractor to manage their team.
- Raise concerns politely and professionally.
Micromanaging can also lead to unnecessary stress for you and the workers on site.
6. Not Verifying Permits and Legal Requirements
Some homeowners assume the contractor is handling permits, but that’s not always the case. Skipping permits can result in fines, project delays, or even having to redo work.
What You Should Do:
- Discuss permitting needs during the planning phase.
- Ask who is responsible for pulling permits—you or the general contractor.
- Don’t start work until permits are in place.
7. Paying Too Much Upfront
A major mistake many homeowners make is paying a large sum—or the full amount—before work begins. This removes any financial incentive for the contractor to stay on schedule or finish the job.
What You Should Do:
- Follow a milestone-based payment plan (e.g., deposit, mid-point, and final payment upon completion).
- Avoid paying more than 10–20% upfront.
- Never pay in full until the project passes your final inspection.
8. Overlooking Insurance and Liability Coverage
Accidents can happen on any job site. If your contractor doesn’t have proper insurance, you could be held liable for injuries or damage.
What You Should Do:
- Request proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
- Make sure subcontractors are also insured.
- Contact your own insurance provider to understand your coverage during renovations.
9. Skipping the Final Walkthrough
Some people are so eager to finish the project that they skip the final inspection. But once you’ve paid in full, it becomes much harder to get mistakes or unfinished work fixed.
What You Should Do:
- Walk through the entire project with your general contractor before final payment.
- Use a checklist to ensure everything is complete and done to your satisfaction.
- Ask for a written warranty or guarantee in case issues arise after completion.
Conclusion
Hiring the right general contractor can turn your vision into reality and save you from construction chaos. But it’s just as important that you, as the homeowner or property manager, understand your role in the process.
Avoiding these common mistakes can protect your investment, keep your project on schedule, and lead to a finished result you’ll be proud of.
Final Tip:
Choose a general contractor who communicates clearly, provides transparent pricing, and has a proven track record in your type of project. A good contractor will guide you through the process—not leave you to navigate it alone.
