The 5 Lies Your Contractor Is Telling You That Will Bankrupt Your Renovation
Don't be fooled by these common contractor tricks. Knowing them can save you thousands.
"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."— Confucius
You're excited about your renovation, but contractors might be telling you "little white lies" to get your business or rush the job. Believing them can lead to a budget-breaking disaster. Here are five lies you have to watch out for.
Lie #1: "You don't need a permit for that." This is a massive red flag. A contractor who wants to avoid permits is likely cutting corners, not insured, or both. Unpermitted work can get you fined and force you to tear out the completed work. It can also void your homeowner's insurance.
Lie #2: "We can start tomorrow." While it sounds great, a good contractor is a busy contractor. A high-quality professional is usually booked weeks or even months in advance. Someone who can start immediately might be desperate for work, which is often a sign of poor quality or a bad reputation.
Lie #3: "Just trust me, we don't need to write that down." Never, ever proceed with a verbal agreement. Every single detail—materials, timelines, payment schedules—must be in a detailed, written contract. A contract protects both you and the contractor. Someone who avoids one is planning to take advantage of you.
Lie #4: "That 10% contingency fund is just extra padding; we probably won't need it." This is a lie to make the initial budget look smaller. Unexpected problems are almost guaranteed in a renovation. That contingency fund is the most important part of your budget. A contractor who downplays its importance is being unrealistic and unprofessional.
Lie #5: "I can get you a great deal on materials." Sometimes this is true, but it can also mean they are using lower-quality, builder-grade materials and pocketing the difference. Your contract should specify the exact brand and model of all fixtures and materials to ensure you get the quality you're paying for.