When planning a remodel or home addition for your living space, you’ll take pains to ensure every detail is picture perfect. But beyond the flooring and cabinetry, it’s imperative that the general contractor behind these aspects is fit for the job. Before trusting the first company you find, watch out for the following red flags.

Signs You’re About to Hire the Wrong General Contractor

1. Refusal to Meet in Person

One of the clearest red flags of a poor contractor is a habit of making excuses—and of these, the most telling is an insistence on communicating over the phone or Internet. If your general contractor doesn’t want to discuss plans in person, they may be using alternate modes of communication to conceal their uncertainties about the property, as well as a lack of professionalism. Don’t agree to pay until you’ve talked face-to-face.

2. Significantly Lower Prices

While affordability is no doubt a goal of your construction or remodeling project, it’s important to realize that you get what you pay for. General contractors that offer prices significantly lower than their competitors are probably not interested in offering you the deal of a lifetime—they’re simply looking for compensation for subpar work. While discounts and special packages are reasonable incentives, stay away from general contractors who offer drastic bargains.

3. No Written Agreements

Whether you’re building a new home from the ground up or just renovating your kitchen, your general contractor will be completing sizable projects that warrant quality supplies, advanced techniques, and established budgets. Therefore, it’s crucial to receive all official estimates and contracts in writing. Without a signed document to fall back on, your agreements might turn into a matter of “he said, she said.” Ask your prospective general contractor if they’ll agree to provide written, itemized estimates before moving forward with any aspects of the project.
 

If you’re eager to get started on a project with the right general contractor, put your trust in the experienced team at Traditional Trades. Serving Onalaska and La Crosse County, WI, this company has over 27 years of experience in the home building industry. In addition to residential projects and luxury senior living facilities, they also perform commercial construction projects. To learn more about their varied offerings, visit their website; or, call (608) 783-4785 to schedule a consultation.