Hiring a general contractor is one of the most crucial decisions you will ever make when building or renovating your home. A general contractor’s job is to oversee and manage the entire construction project and ensure it is completed successfully. However, not all general contractors are the same, and while some will deliver great results, others may cut corners and put your investment at risk. Non competitve pricing is a major red flag when hiring a contractor. If a general contractor cuts the price of a job drastically compared to competition, you can be assured that there are corners being cut. In this blog post, we will explore 11 corners bad general contractors cut.
1. Skimping on Materials
One of the ways that bad general contractors cut corners is by using sub-par materials that do not meet industry standards. Why? They want to save money. While this may lower the initial cost of your project, poor quality materials are susceptible to wear and tear, which means repairs and replacements will cost you more in the long run.
2. Not Pulling Permits
Permits are essential legal requirements that ensure your construction project meets the local building codes and safety standards. However, bad general contractors may skip this process to save time and money. Not pulling permits can result in hefty fines and even legal sanctions.
3. Lack of Communication
Effective communication between the general contractor and the client is critical for a successful project. Unfortunately, some bad general contractors do not prioritize communication, leading to misunderstandings, delays, and costly errors.
4. Not Obtaining Insurance
The general contractor should have insurance coverage to protect your property from damage or accidents that may occur during the construction process. However, bad contractors may not have adequate insurance coverage, leaving you liable for any injuries or property damage that may occur due to their negligence.
5. Overpromising and Underdelivering
Some bad general contractors may promise to deliver exceptional results and then fail to live up to their end of the bargain. They may be great at pitching their services but lack the skills and experience necessary to execute the project.
6. Hiring Inexperienced Workers
General contractors are responsible for hiring and supervising subcontractors. Unfortunately, bad contractors may choose to hire inexperienced or unskilled workers to save money. This can lead to poor quality work and costly mistakes.
7. Ignoring Change Orders
Change orders refer to any changes that occur during the construction project, which are initiated by the client or general contractor. Good general contractors will inform their clients about any changes and discuss the options available. However, bad contractors may ignore change orders or do them without consulting the client, leading to costly disputes.
8. Not Doing Proper Inspections
Good general contractors will do thorough inspections during the construction project to ensure your property is in good condition. However, bad contractors may skip inspections to save time and money, which can result in costly repairs if issues are not identified early.
9. Skipping the Punch List
The punch list is a list of work that needs to be completed before the project is considered done. The client and the general contractor must agree on the punch list before the project’s completion. Some bad general contractors may skip the punch list, leaving important work undone or poorly completed.
10. Using Inferior Equipment
General contractors should have the necessary equipment to complete your project efficiently and safely. However, some bad contractors may use inferior equipment that poses a safety risk to their workers or fails to deliver quality workmanship.
11. Not Offering a Warranty
Good general contractors stand behind their work and offer a warranty to their clients. The warranty guarantees that the work completed meets the industry standards and that any issues arising from the construction work will be addressed promptly. Unfortunately, bad contractors may not offer a warranty, which means you will have to pay for repairs if anything goes wrong.
Hiring a bad general contractor can lead to a disastrous construction project, which can be costly to fix. Therefore, it is crucial to take your time to vet a general contractor before hiring them. Make sure to ask for referrals and check out their online reviews. Remember, transparency and effective communication are essential components of a successful construction project.