The Stakes Are High
Hiring the wrong contractor can cost you thousands of dollars, months of delays, and a mountain of stress. The good news: most hiring mistakes are avoidable if you know what to look for.
Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone
The lowest bid feels like a win — until the work starts and corners get cut. Cheap concrete cracks. Cheap remodels fall apart. Cheap foundations settle.
Instead of asking 'who's cheapest?', ask 'what's included in this quote?' Compare scope, materials, timeline, and warranty. A detailed quote from a reliable contractor is worth more than a vague promise from a cheap one.
Mistake #2: Not Getting It in Writing
Verbal agreements are worth the paper they're printed on — which is none. Insist on a written quote that covers scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and what happens if plans change.
Any contractor who won't put their promises in writing isn't confident in their ability to deliver. Walk away.
Mistake #3: Skipping Insurance Verification
If a contractor doesn't have general liability insurance and workers' compensation, YOU could be liable if someone gets hurt on your property. This isn't paranoia — it's basic protection.
Ask for a certificate of insurance. Call the insurance company to verify it's active. Any legitimate contractor will provide this without hesitation.
Mistake #4: Not Checking References
Online reviews help, but talking to actual recent clients is better. Ask for 2–3 references from projects similar to yours. Call them. Ask about communication, timeline, quality, and whether they'd hire the contractor again.
Mistake #5: Paying Too Much Upfront
A reasonable deposit (10–30%) to secure your spot on the schedule is normal. Demanding 50% or more before work starts is a red flag. Structure payments around milestones — not promises.
Mistake #6: Not Understanding the Scope
Make sure you know exactly what's included and what's not. Does the quote include site prep? Cleanup? Permits? Material disposal? If it doesn't say, ask — before you sign.
Mistake #7: Ignoring Communication Style
How a contractor communicates before the project starts is how they'll communicate during it. If they're slow to return calls, vague in their answers, or hard to pin down during the quoting phase — it won't get better once they have your money.
At I29 Construction, you talk to Jorge directly. He answers his phone. If that matters to you, give us a call at (712) 543-5760.