Avoid These Contractor Mistakes (We've All Made Them)

Contractors & Rehab – Common Errors and How to Fix Them

If you’re doing a rehab, you will face problems. Some are unavoidable.

But many are predictable, preventable, and fixable — if you know what to watch for.

Let’s walk through a few of the most common contractor-related mistakes — and how to steer clear of them:

🚫 Error #1: Hiring Too Fast

You’re eager to get started. The guy you met “seems fine.” He’s available now.

Fix:

Check licenses, verify insurance, call references, and Google them like you’re stalking an ex.

Better to wait a week for a pro than rush into a 6-month regret.

📋 Error #2: Vague Scope of Work

“Paint the house, fix what’s broken” sounds good until the bill shows up.

Fix:

Get everything in writing. Line-by-line, room-by-room.

Define materials, finishes, timelines — even which walls get eggshell vs. satin.

💸 Error #3: Paying Too Much Upfront

They say they need half up front “for materials.” Then they ghost you… with your money.

Fix:

Break payments into clearly defined milestones. Pay when progress is visible — not promises.

🧰 Error #4: Not Checking the Work

“Trust but verify.” That beautiful tile may hide shoddy waterproofing.

Fix:

Visit the site often. Take photos. Ask questions. If you’re remote, pay a retired contractor $100 to check in weekly. Best $100 you’ll spend.

🧱 Error #5: Acting Like a Buddy Instead of a Boss

It’s tempting to be the “cool investor.” But being too friendly can lead to blurred boundaries, missed deadlines, and cost overruns.

Fix:

Be respectful, but firm. Your contractor should like you — but they should also fear disappointing you.

Bonus Pro Tip:

Use a written rehab checklist for every project. Start with your scope of work, add a progress tracker, and require sign-off at each stage.

🧰 Realtors, Flippers, and Landlords

You’ve either lived these mistakes… or you’re about to.

Share this tip with your team or investor clients to help them avoid costly lessons.

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