As a general contractor, I’ve learned many valuable lessons over the years, and some of those lessons came at a cost.

In this blog post, I’m sharing the top five mistakes I’ve made during my career, so you can avoid making them yourself.

These mistakes have shaped me into the contractor I am today, and I’m hoping my experiences can help you make better decisions for your own projects.

Mistake #1: Not Having a Clear and Precise Plan

One of the first mistakes I made was on a home restoration job in Brian Head. I took on a project and assumed everything would work itself out.

For instance, we had to get a washer and dryer into a loft by deadlifting and pushing them up, which was dangerous and challenging.

This experience taught me the importance of having a clear, precise plan for the scope of work and a comprehensive estimate. This ensures everyone is on the same page and helps avoid unexpected complications.

Mistake #2: Underestimating the Scope of a Project

In the early days, I made the mistake of assuming that remodeling one part of a building would be straightforward.

Unfortunately, the city shut the home remodeling project down, and we had to demo every room downstairs, cut out concrete, and fix issues like non-compliant windows.

I learned that it’s crucial to understand the full scope of the project and ensure everything meets code before starting. Proper planning and compliance can save you from costly delays.

Mistake #3: Hiring a Friend Instead of a Subcontractor

Another major mistake I made was hiring a friend for a job instead of a skilled subcontractor.

My friend promised he could handle the job, but the work ended up being poorly done—he left big dents and holes, damaging the project.

This mistake hurt my relationship with the client and tarnished my reputation. I learned to hire qualified professionals, even if they aren’t friends.

Trusting the right people is essential for maintaining quality and trust. It’s important for a general contractor to have a tried and true process for hiring the right subcontractors.

Mistake #4: Failing to Verify a Carpenter’s Work

I once took the word of someone else when hiring a carpenter for custom doors.

I didn’t verify the carpenter’s experience, and unfortunately, he ruined the doors by notching them incorrectly. The result was disastrous for the project, and it’s something I will never repeat.

This mistake taught me the importance of verifying skills and checking references before bringing someone onto a job.

Mistake #5: Overlooking the Impact of Travel Costs

The final mistake that cost me thousands was underestimating the impact of travel costs.

On another project in Brian Head, I bid the project based on the same pricing as other jobs, but I didn’t consider the travel costs for my team.

The travel time for carpenters, electricians, painters, and other subcontractors added up quickly and compounded the overall cost of the project. I learned the hard way that travel expenses should always be factored into the estimate to ensure profitability.

While this is only a brief list of the things I’ve learned over the years, there’s so much more that can go wrong during a home remodel. This is why hiring an experienced general contractor can save you so much time and headaches.

Conclusion

These mistakes have made me a better general contractor. I’ve learned to take accountability for my actions and use those lessons to improve my work.

While I can’t change the past, I can ensure that my clients benefit from the knowledge and experience I’ve gained. If you’re planning a remodel or construction project, I’m here to help guide you through the process and avoid the pitfalls I’ve experienced.

I hope you found these lessons helpful. If you’re ready to get your project underway, schedule a call with me to get a free estimate today.