General Contractors 👷‍♂️ What was your biggest mistake?

Question

My question is, What was one of your biggest mistake when hiring a general contractor? Before, during, or after? Just one mistake you will never forget? Likewise for any general contractors who read this post as well. When being hired or being general contractor for a single-family property flip, what was your biggest mistake? Before, during or after?

Ben Rodriguez · Answer

Hi @Mark Gall,

Here's my semi-horror story.  I say semi because in the end we got what we wanted, the process was just less than perfect and it will change how I approach contractors in the future.

First let me say that for small jobs that I'm really just trying to save my own time, I don't worry about heavy research I go with referrals from trusted friends though.

I got my first home from a contractor that was already building in the neighborhood we looked at in Nashville.  He had actually built the same house we did, just down the street and we got to look at it the day before those owners moved in.  We loved the layout and he was willing to work with us on custom touches since we didn't want to change anything structural we got to really make it ours.

That main house was built from start to finish in 3 months... for a 2400 sqft craftsman, we were impressed.

A few years later we decided to build a garage with loft apartment that we could Airbnb.  Everything was pretty easy when it came to working out the design and all, he was great right at the beginning but that project which only ended up being about 750sq ft took 9 MONTHS.  The biggest issue was him dealing with the electrical which was just delay after delay.  It also ended up costing about (if I remember correctly) somewhere around 10-15k more than his original estimate, me being dumb did not have him lock in a quote, just just gave an estimate.

As hokey as it may sound I have learned a lot from watching the various Holmes shows on HGTV and DIY network when it comes to dealing with contractors and I will always remember from now on, for any large job.

Detailed plans and contract which outline expected progress after certain amounts of time, a payment schedule, whatever else I can put in play to protect me and my money.  Also, if I've never worked with the contractor or if I don't have a solid referral from someone I trust, then I will be sure to research references, check on insurance standing and valid licensing, everything that will give me peace of mind, as well as show that I'm serious and I won't be taken advantage of.

The other thing I will do is make sure they don't have an opportunity to put a builders lien on my property.

From what I've learned recently this can be avoided in some instances.  Certain states require a filing for the right to issue a builders lien before work starts.

Anyway, I know I'm long winded, but I hope this helps with finding the right contractor.

Mark Gall · Answer

@Ben Rodriguez WOW, Thank you so much for investing the time to share this awesome bit of personal experience! Not at all long winded. You really put things into perspective and gave me something to think about... I appreciate your input big time and I'm confident others will as well!

Kindest Regards,

Mark .G

Hassle Free Home Liquidators, LLC