Building a garage should be exciting. You picture extra space for your car, storage, or even a small workshop. But for many homeowners, the dream turns into stress. The biggest problem? Choosing the wrong contractor. A bad contractor can leave you with endless delays, rising costs, or poor-quality work that doesn’t last. Some people even end up with a garage that has to be torn down because it wasn’t built to code. Once the project goes wrong, fixing it is expensive and frustrating.
The good news is that you don’t have to wait until it’s too late. Most bad projects show warning signs early on. If you know the red flags, you can spot a problem before it drains your money and peace of mind. Looking for a trusted garage builder in Richmond? LHC Services delivers quality construction built to last, contact us today to start your project.
No Written Contract
One of the first warning signs is when a contractor refuses to give you a written contract. A contract protects you. It makes sure the price, the materials, and the timeline are all clear. Without a contract, you are left with promises that can change any time. For example, you may think the flooring is included, but later the builder says it will cost extra. A proper contract prevents surprises like this.
Unrealistic Low Bids
It’s natural to want the best deal, but if one bid is much lower than the others, that’s a red flag. Very low prices often mean the builder plans to cut corners or charge you extra later. Think of it like this: if three builders quote around $25,000 and one offers $12,000, something is off. It may look good at first, but the savings usually disappear once problems start.
Skipping Permits
Every garage project needs permits. If a contractor suggests skipping them to save time or money, be careful. This shortcut can lead to huge problems. Without permits, your garage may not pass inspection. In the worst case, the city could force you to tear it down. A good contractor will always handle permits the right way and explain the process clearly.
Weak Foundation Work
The foundation is the base of your garage. If it is not built well, nothing else will stand strong. Poor grading, weak concrete, or sloppy site preparation can cause cracks, sinking floors, or water damage. Here’s an example: one homeowner did not notice that the ground was not leveled properly. After the first heavy rain, water poured into the garage. Fixing the drainage after construction cost thousands of dollars. Doing it right at the start would have saved all that stress.
Poor Communication
Clear communication is key to any building project. If your contractor avoids questions, gives vague answers, or is hard to reach, that’s a bad sign. Good builders explain what’s happening and keep you updated. If you can’t get straight answers now, imagine what it will be like once construction starts. Poor communication almost always leads to bigger issues later.
Cheap Materials
Some contractors save money by using low-quality wood, thin concrete, or weak shingles. At first, everything looked fine. But within a few years, the garage may start to crack, leak, or sag. Always ask about the materials being used. Do a little research. Strong, durable materials might cost more upfront, but they save you money and stress in the long run.
No License or Insurance
This is one of the most serious red flags. If a contractor doesn’t have insurance or a license, you are the one taking the risk. Imagine if a worker gets hurt on your property. Without insurance, you could be responsible for the medical bills. A trustworthy contractor will gladly show proof of insurance and proper licenses. If they hesitate, walk away.
Timeline Red Flags
A normal garage build should only take a few weeks. If a two-week job keeps dragging into months without clear reasons, that’s a red flag. Weather or inspections can cause small delays, but constant excuses, poor communication, or disappearing crews mean the contractor is unreliable. A good builder sets a clear timeline and keeps you updated.
Richmond, VA Considerations
Richmond’s heavy rains and humid summers make drainage and strong foundations very important. If water is not directed away from your garage, cracks and shifting can happen fast. Also, Richmond requires permits and inspections for new garages. A trustworthy local contractor knows these rules and builds to handle the weather. LHC Services is a trusted Richmond-based company that understands these local requirements and provides quality garage construction designed to withstand the region’s climate.
Also Read: Top Garage Door Maintenance Tips
How to Protect Yourself
Spotting red flags is important, but protecting yourself starts before the first nail is hammered. Get at least three quotes and compare what’s included. Check reviews online and ask for references. Put everything in writing, even small details. And most importantly, trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
Conclusion
A garage can add real value to your home, but only if it’s built right. The biggest mistakes, no contract, low bids, skipped permits, weak foundations, poor communication, cheap materials, and no insurance can turn your project into a nightmare. By knowing these red flags and staying alert, you can protect your money, your time, and your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Be careful if the price keeps going up with new “extra” costs or if the work looks messy, like uneven floors or cracks in fresh concrete. Some contractors start cheap just to win the job, then add costs later. Always get a few quotes, check their past work, and watch the job as it goes.
Don’t skip checking your property lines or soil first. Make sure the garage is big enough for cars and storage. Never cut corners on the foundation, bad work can cause cracks or water problems. And pick materials that can handle rain and weather in your area.
Look for uneven ground, thin concrete, or cracks soon after pouring. If the foundation is weak, the floor can sink, or water can leak in. In rainy places like Richmond, VA, a strong foundation with good drainage saves you from costly repairs later.