Trust, but Verify.
The general contracting industry has a reputation problem. For every elite crew out there, there are five guys in a truck who will overpromise, underdeliver, and leave your property a mess.
I built Powerhouse Contracting on military principles because homeowners deserve transparency and discipline. If you are vetting contractors for your next deployment, watch out for these three major red flags.
1. They Can't Give a Firm Timeline
If a contractor says, 'We'll get to it sometime next month,' walk away. A professional operation runs on a strict schedule. While weather can cause delays, a real contractor will give you a hard start date and an estimated completion date before you sign anything.
2. The Estimate Lacks Detail
If an estimate is just a single number scrawled on a piece of paper, you are being set up for 'unforeseen costs.' A tactical estimate breaks down exactly what is happening: materials being used, prep work involved, and cleanup procedures. You should never have to guess what you are paying for.
3. Poor Communication at the Start
How a contractor handles the initial estimate is exactly how they will handle the build. If they are late to the consultation, take three days to return a phone call, or fail to send the quote when promised, that is a massive red flag. Absolute punctuality and clear comms are non-negotiable.
