Problems with General Contractors?

[George Griffeth]

Hello community,

I’m a young construction professional preparing to go out on my own in the Los Angeles market. I’m working on a business plan to better define my business in my own mind. I’ll be getting my general contractors license, and will focus my business on working with real estate professionals (agents, property managers, in/out of state investors). I’ve been licensed in real estate in NY in the past, and have been in construction for almost a decade (finish/rough carpentry/painting). I’m young but have been interested in real estate and construction my whole adult life. I’m very serious about this and am going to put in any amount of time and energy necessary to get my business off the ground. 

My question for anyone willing to help me is, what are some reoccurring problems you’ve faced while working with general contractors in your experience investing in real estate? I’ll leave the question broad, give me any answers that come to mind. Thanks in advance, any insights will be extremely helpful. 

[Brian Van Pelt]

@George Griffeth
. bad estimates
. bad workmanship
. not showing up for work
. not meeting reasonable deadlines
. improper supervision of sub-contractors
. finish work looks like .... (fill in the blank)
. improper licencing of sub contractors
. dangerous work environment
. sub-standard material
. inability to complete contracted work
. fighting between sub-contractors

............. and on and on and on.