15 Signs Your Contractor Is Cutting Corners (and What to Do About It)
Remodeling all or part of your home is not only expensive, but it also requires a certain level of trust: You’re inviting a stranger into your safe space and counting on them to bring your vision for the project to life. Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned and you may realize that your contractor cut corners in some way.
Signs a contractor is cutting corners on a renovation
Sometimes poor quality work is clearly visible; in other cases, it can be (literally) hidden behind walls. In fact, there are several ways home improvement professionals try to save money on a remodeling project, some of which are a little questionable.
While you might assume that the contractor is simply trying to increase his profit on the job, there are other possible reasons why he might be making concessions. For example, a contractor may encounter an unexpected problem that needs to be resolved to continue the project, but the homeowner insists on sticking to the original budget. So, to compensate, the contractor may rush through the final portion of the job to stay on schedule and on budget, which then results in inconsistent finishes or sloppy work.
The fact is that there are many reasons why and how contractors compromise. If you suspect that housework is not up to standard, look out for the following signs.
Poor quality materials
This is not a situation where a contractor and homeowner sit down to discuss their plans and budget, and the homeowner agrees to install quartz countertops instead of marble to save money. Instead, it’s a scenario in which a contractor decides to use substandard building materials—without consulting the homeowner—as a way to cut costs. This could be lumber, drywall, subflooring, hardware, trim, plumbing, paint or other materials.
“I remember one project where the contractor, in an attempt to save time and money, used lower quality plywood for the kitchen cabinets,” says Jim Gray, real estate specialist and performance coach at Agent Advice . “The homeowners were very disappointed when the cabinets started sagging just a few months later.”
In addition to materials used in a remodel that look or feel cheap, Gray also recommends looking for warped wood, thin veneers that don’t feel hard, rough or inconsistent in texture, and light finishing.
Missing Components
“Make sure you’re getting all the features and fittings you paid for,” Gray says. Missing shelves in built-in cabinets or having fewer electrical sockets than you expected are clear signs that corners have been cut.
Inappropriate materials
There may be no problems with the quality of the materials your contractor used, but you have noticed some discrepancies. For example, perhaps one row of tiles in your bathroom is a slightly different color or shape from the rest. While buying leftover or discontinued materials can be a great way to save money, it won’t work if you don’t have enough for the entire project. Beyond tile, Erica Branning, real estate investor and owner of Cash Buyers , recommends looking for grout, flooring, or anything else that doesn’t match the samples you’re shown.
Drawers that don’t open all the way
You might assume that your drawers are getting stuck on something, but it’s often because they’re small and don’t take up all the space—a common method for saving materials and money, says Pavel Khaikin, founder and CEO of Pavel Buys. Houses , which specializes in purchasing, renovating and selling homes in the Boston area. This may involve purchasing smaller boxes or saving lumber on custom boxes, but either way, the homeowner will be left with less storage space than they expected.
Uneven surfaces
Unless there is a known structural problem that was not addressed in the remodel, there should be no visible unevenness, dips or irregularities in the walls, floors or countertops, Brenning says.
According to Haykin, uneven or smooth walls are often a sign of poor drywall work and can be a result of lower labor costs. This is especially frustrating for homeowners, he says, because uneven or uneven walls can be difficult to fix and can require additional time and money to fix. The same can be said for wavy or uneven floors and countertops.
Premature wear and tear
Early signs of cracking or chipping in paint, drywall or grout could indicate improper installation or a rushed job, Brenning says.
Unfinished parts
“When contractors try to save time and labor by rushing a job, it can leave you with unpainted trim, unsealed grout, or incomplete sealing,” says Brenning.
Gaps around holes
Finding cracks or gaps around windows, doors or fixtures may indicate improper installation methods or insufficient use of sealant, Gray says.
Inconsistent paint job
According to Haykin, sloppy, inconsistent or unfinished painting is further evidence that care was taken during a remodeling project. This may include uneven coverage, missed spots, noticeable drips, or visible brush strokes.
Uneven molding or trim
Uneven, misaligned or mismatched trim, cornice or chair rail is another telltale sign that corners have been cut, says Haykin. He also recommends keeping an eye on the gaps between walls and trim.
Plumbing problems
Pay attention to your plumbing after renovations, says Brenning, because inconsistent water pressure, leaky faucets, showers with poor drainage, or toilets that no longer work properly are signs that either corners were cut or something was done wrong.
Electrical problems
Likewise, you shouldn’t experience any new electrical problems, says Brenning. This includes things like flickering lights, faulty switches, buzzing outlets, and anything that sparks.
Any new damage
If you notice any damage that wasn’t there before the repair (such as dents, stains, holes, and scratches) that your contractor didn’t tell you about, it could be a sign of negligence and/or haste. .
Potential Security Risks
“Don’t take chances when it comes to potential safety hazards, such as exposed wiring or faulty plumbing,” says Gray. These are major warning signs that you need to pay attention to immediately.
Leaving behind a mess
You probably (and quite rightly) expect your contractor to clean up after the job is completed, but according to Branning, that doesn’t always happen. “Excessive amounts of dust or debris left behind after cleaning is a sign of hasty cleaning and neglect of the homeowner’s property,” she says.
What to do if your contractor’s work is not up to par
So what do you do if you notice (or strongly suspect) your contractor is cutting corners? Experts recommend taking the following steps:
Collect evidence
First, document everything. “While these probably won’t be the before and after photos you were hoping for, take plenty of photos and videos of the problems, and create a paper trail that includes communications with the contractor, as well as invoices and original plans,” he says. Grey.
Contact your contractor
Before escalating the issue, schedule a meeting with your contractor to discuss the situation. “Speak directly to the contractor and politely explain your concerns, giving examples of what needs to be fixed or addressed through repair or repayment,” says Gray.
What looks like cutting corners may actually be an oversight or miscommunication, and your contractor may be willing to fix the problems at no extra cost, says Haykin. As always, get this in writing.
“If the contractor is willing to fix the problems, homeowners should ask them to fix the problems in a timely manner,” he says. “It’s important to have clear communication and expectations regarding the renovation.”
Consult another specialist
If your contractor is unwilling or unable to work with you to resolve the problems, it’s time to contact another contractor or an independent inspector to check out the problems and assess the potential damage, Brenning advises. “Get repair estimates to understand the cost of fixing problems,” she says.
Consider legal action
If a contractor doesn’t respond to your requests or refuses to fix or fairly compensate you for problems, Brenning suggests seeking legal advice as a last resort.