Plumbing vents are an essential part of your home’s drainage system, preventing sewer gases from backing up into your living spaces. However, some contractors may overlook or deliberately omit these vents to save on installation time and materials. The absence of plumbing vents can lead to slow drainage, gurgling pipes, and foul odors emanating from your drains. If you suspect this shortcut has been taken, it’s crucial to address it promptly to avoid more significant plumbing issues down the line.

Best Way To Avoid: Make sure your plumber is licensed and insured, and ask for references. A lack of venting tends to cause visible issues with your plumbing such as fixtures failing to drain, bad odors, and even leaks throughout the home if pressure builds.

Achieving a smooth and flawless drywall finish is a skill that requires time and precision. In a bid to speed up the project, some contractors may rush through the drywall finishing process, resulting in visible seams, cracks, or uneven surfaces.

Best Way To Avoid: To spot this shortcut, closely inspect the walls and ceilings for imperfections and irregularities in the drywall’s surface. Using a flashlight held perpendicular to the surface highlights imperfections, which should be brought up to your contractor.

Permits are essential for ensuring that construction or renovation projects comply with building codes and safety regulations. However, some contractors may try to avoid the time and expense associated with permits. Signs of this shortcut include a lack of visible permits at the job site or contractors refusing to discuss the permit process. Failing to obtain necessary permits can lead to legal and safety issues.

Best Way To Avoid: A licensed contractor should always be aware of which permits are needed, and be able to pull them. Talk with your contractor ahead of time to ask what their expects costs for permitting are, and they should be able to identify each needed permit and the expected charge associated with it. Having a list of these permits on-hand is a good way to ensure you’re completely protected.

A quality paint job can transform the look and feel of your home. Some contractors, however, may cut corners by using cheaper paints or applying insufficient coats. Signs of shoddy paintwork include uneven color coverage, visible brush or roller marks, and paint that quickly chips or peels. Proper preparation and quality paint materials are essential for a durable and attractive finish.

Best Way To Avoid: Ensure purchased paints match the brand, color, and quantity that you discussed with your designer or contractor. After painting, double check edges are clean, layers were evenly applied, and there are no cosmetic issues. If you find any issues, raise them with your contractor or painter immediately.

Safety should always be a top priority on a construction site. Yet, some contractors may cut corners on safety measures, putting both workers and homeowners at risk. Signs of this shortcut may include a lack of safety barriers, inadequate use of personal protective equipment, or a disorganized and hazardous work site. Prioritizing safety is essential for the well-being of everyone involved in the project.

How to Avoid: Use a licensed, insured contractor with proven workman’s comp insurance. If you see safety concerns at your home, immediately raise them with your contractor or project manager. Most companies pay large sums for workman’s comp coverage and treat workplace accidents very seriously. Trustworthy contractors place a high value on the safety of their employees.