Most problems homeowners run into with trade work trace back to a decision made before the job even started, not something that went wrong on site. These are the mistakes worth avoiding.
Accepting the first quote without comparing
A single quote gives you no way to judge whether the price or the scope is reasonable. Getting a small number of quotes for the same job, and comparing what is actually included in each, is the single easiest way to avoid overpaying or under-scoping a project.
Not checking licensing and insurance
It is easy to assume a contractor is properly licensed and insured, especially if they seem professional and responsive. Ask to see it directly. It takes a minute and protects you if something goes wrong on your property during the job.
Leaving the scope vague
"Do up the backyard" means something different to every contractor who quotes on it. Being specific about what you want — even if you are not sure of every detail — leads to quotes that can actually be compared, rather than five different guesses at what you meant.
Ignoring site conditions that affect price
Access, slope, drainage, and what is already there (an old driveway to remove, tree roots, uneven ground) all affect cost. Leaving these out of a request means a quote is likely to change once a contractor sees the site in person, which can feel like a bait-and-switch even when it is not.
Choosing on price alone
The cheapest quote is not always the best value — it can reflect thinner materials, a smaller scope, or corners cut on preparation that will not show up until later. Weigh price against what is actually included and how the contractor communicated during quoting.
Paying a large amount upfront
Trade work commonly involves a deposit, but a contractor asking for the bulk of the payment before any work has started is a reasonable thing to question.
Avoid these from the start
Our guide on how to choose the right contractor covers what to look for once quotes start coming in, and our FAQ answers the questions homeowners ask most before requesting a quote.
