Avoiding Common Pitfalls: What Every Homeowner Should Know About General Contractors

It’s no secret that hiring a general contractor can save homeowners time and money on home remodels or new construction. General contractors can purchase materials at wholesale rates and negotiate discounts with subcontractors. They also manage the project’s financial aspects and create a payment schedule.

Not Having a Budget

A general contractor will commit to a project’s price and duration. They know lead times for cabinets, granite counters, and plumbing hardware. It allows them to keep your project on schedule while saving you money by purchasing materials in bulk. When undertaking projects requiring building permits and calling for several specialized contractors, homeowners can avoid the hassle by working with a general contractor. It’s true if the project will take more than a week or involves complicated plumbing and electrical work. Bomar Construction will help you save money by value engineering the job. They will look at the original scope of work and make suggestions that will reduce costs while maintaining the quality of the job. They will also be able to negotiate better rates for specialty services such as painting and floor finishing.

Not Doing Your Homework

Hiring a general contractor can save homeowners undertaking central home improvement projects time and money. These professionals are typically involved in the entire process, from bidding to construction, ensuring permits are obtained and inspections are scheduled. Getting a written contract is essential and should include the full scope of work, including labor, materials, and a timeline for completion. Ideally, contractors should also provide a warranty and guarantee for their work. When hiring a general contractor, finding someone skilled, experienced, professional, and licensed is essential. You could pay more in the long run due to mistakes and costly delays if you don’t. Also, remember that a good general contractor can often “value engineer” jobs by recommending cost-saving substitutions like paint instead of a floor finish.

Choosing the Wrong Contractor

Choosing the wrong contractor can throw the whole project into disarray. The best general contractors are skilled, experienced, and professional. They will also have the necessary licenses and insurance coverage. Ask for references and follow up on them. They should provide you with a list of past clients you can contact. They also know the local codes and regulations and can negotiate with suppliers to get better deals on building materials. They can save you money by buying them in bulk, which can make all the difference in your home renovation. They will also handle all project-related documentation, such as impact studies, permits, and inspections. In addition, they can help you design your space, providing valuable insight that is often overlooked.

Not Having a Backup Plan

As a homeowner, you want to trust the GC to take care of all the aspects of your home renovation or repair. After all, they are the point person between you and all the contractors and tradespeople involved in your project. Besides getting the proper permits and selecting and managing subcontractors, a GC also knows how to source materials at wholesale prices, ship specialty items, and install them properly. It saves you the time and energy of chasing down your suppliers and ensuring they deliver on time. A backup plan may seem pessimistic, but preparing for the unexpected is essential. Having one in place could save you from the headaches of a blown budget and project delays.

Not Planning for Changes

A good general contractor will know what to expect, but sometimes, even the best-laid plans go awry. A backup plan is vital to keep the project on track. A general contractor must communicate clear expectations with their team during the planning phase. Thielp ensures that everyone understands the scope of work and is on the same page from start to finish. It’s also essential for a GC to hire the right people for critical positions, such as estimating and accounting. Otherwise, the company could be exposed to costly mistakes early on. It can be especially detrimental for smaller contractors who rely on repeat and referral business to grow their client base.