General Contractor Red Flags Homeowners Should Never Ignore

Hiring a general contractor is not just about who can swing a hammer. When a project involves a designer and a GC working together, alignment matters. A lot. When it’s wrong, the cracks show early, usually before construction even begins.

Here’s how to spot general contractor red flags before they cost you time, money, or your sanity.

Why Contractor–Designer Compatibility Matters

A successful project depends on a clear division of roles. Designers design. Contractors build. When each respects the other’s expertise, the process runs smoother, decisions are clearer, and accountability stays where it belongs.

When that respect is missing, homeowners often end up stuck in the middle, translating, mediating, and paying for missteps they never caused.

6 General Contractor Red Flags Homeowners Should Watch For

1. They Can’t Provide Early ROM Pricing

A qualified general contractor should be able to give early ROM (rough order of magnitude) pricing, often expressed as a typical cost per square foot, even before drawings are finalized.

No one expects perfect accuracy at this stage. But if a contractor refuses to offer any early budget guidance, that’s a warning sign. It usually means one of two things:

• They lack experience with similar projects.

• They’re avoiding accountability until it’s too late to pivot.

2. They Won’t Engage During Pre-Construction

A major red flag is a contractor who won’t work with the design team during the design phase under a pre-construction agreement.

Pre-construction is where real value happens:

• Budget alignment

• Constructability feedback

• Scheduling clarity

• Early risk identification

If a GC insists on showing up only after permits are issued, they’re opting out of collaboration and setting the project up for change orders later.

3. No Formal Contract, Just a Handshake

If someone suggests moving forward without a written contract, stop.

A professional contractor uses formal agreements that define:

• Scope of work

• Payment structure

• Change order process

• Roles and responsibilities

A handshake might feel friendly, but it offers zero protection when things go sideways. And they will.

4. They Dismiss or Undermine the Designer

Ask the contractor directly how they feel about working with a designer.

A qualified GC respects the designer’s role and understands the value they bring. Red flags include:

• Claiming they can “do the same thing as a designer”

• Talking down about designers

• Positioning themselves as the decision-maker on design matters

Overlap exists. Replacement does not.

5. They Don’t Understand Who Employs Whom

The general contractor is employed by the owner, not the designer, unless clearly stated otherwise in writing.

Warning signs include:

• Sending invoices to the designer

• Expecting the designer to manage their billing

• Suggesting the designer is responsible for construction outcomes

These misunderstandings signal a lack of experience working on designer-led projects.

6. Their Background Doesn’t Hold Up

If a contractor claims decades of experience, verify it.

Homeowners should confirm:

• Active license and bonding

• Insurance coverage

• History of working with designers

• References from comparable projects

If this information is vague, defensive, or difficult to obtain, assume the risk is real.

A Note on Contractors Who “Also Do Design”

This one is nuanced.

Some contractors advertise design services but partner with professional designers behind the scenes. That can work when roles are clearly defined and disclosed.

Problems arise when a contractor:

• Takes over design decisions without training

• Blurs scope boundaries

• Competes with the designer instead of supporting them

Clarity upfront prevents conflict later.

The Bottom Line

Great general contractors exist. Many are highly skilled, collaborative, and a pleasure to work with. The goal is not to be suspicious; it’s to be informed.

Early transparency, mutual respect, and formal agreements are not extras. They are the baseline.

If you’re planning a project that involves both a designer and a general contractor, vetting compatibility early is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

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