Hiring a contractor might feel like the natural first step when planning a home improvement project—but jumping in too soon can lead to costly delays, budget overruns, and unmet expectations. Before you make that call, there are important steps every homeowner should take to clarify their goals, budget, and local requirements—especially in Greenville, NC, where codes and climate play a major role.
But before you pick up the phone to call your “guy,” pause. Breathe. Because as much as everyone loves a good before-and-after transformation, what they don’t show you in those glossy Instagram reels are the behind-the-scenes screw-ups that started with one phrase: “We’ll figure it out as we go.”
Let’s not be that person. Let’s talk about what not to do first. Yes—reverse psychology, because apparently, we learn better from falling flat on our face than reading a manual. So here it is: the unofficial guide to blowing up your renovation before it even begins.
1. Starting with Vibes Instead of a Vision
Listen, vibes are cool. But you can’t build a roof on a “vibe.” Too many homeowners start with a Pinterest board and a loose idea that they want something “open and airy” (whatever that means) and expect the contractor to translate that into blueprints, cost estimates, and structural engineering. Spoiler: they won’t. Or they’ll try—and charge you for every hour they spend guessing.
I once had a buddy in Greenville—Mike, a die-hard ECU fan—who told his builder, “Just make it look good, man.” That “look good” turned into a mishmash of cedar and aluminum that clashed so badly with his vinyl siding, even the HOA sent a sympathy card.
Why it matters:
No vision = expensive interpretation. You need at least some structure to your dream before you hand it off. Sketch it on a napkin. Talk to your spouse. Google. Anything.
2. Ignoring Permits Because “The Neighbors Didn’t Get One”
There’s always that one guy who says, “You don’t need a permit—nobody checks.” That guy also probably speeds in school zones and ignores expiration dates. Don’t be that guy.
Especially here in Greenville, NC. Codes are changing. As of late 2023, the city started cracking down hard on unpermitted builds. You can thank that one rogue metal awning that took flight during a nor’easter last October—landed three blocks away like a twisted, angry kite.
Why it bites back:
No permit = no peace. You might build it today, but when you go to sell your house? Boom. Non-compliant structure. Or worse—an inspector drops by and gives you a stop-work order halfway through your project. That’s a party no one wants to attend.
3. Hiring the First Person Who Calls You Back (Desperation Ain’t Cute)
I get it. You finally get someone on the line who doesn’t ghost you after the estimate—and you cling. Hard. But availability doesn’t always equal ability. Sometimes, the only reason they’re free is because they just got sued. (Dark? Maybe. Real? Absolutely.)
A client once told me she chose her contractor because “he had good energy.” Great. So does my dog. But he can’t frame a gable roof to save his life.
Watch out for:
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Vague answers to questions
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Sketchy timelines like “probably next week”
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Quotes scribbled on a napkin (unless it’s a napkin from Chili’s—that’s somehow legit)
4. Budgeting With Blindfolds On (“We’ll Worry About Cost Later”)
This is probably my favorite horror story—people starting a build with only a feeling of what it should cost. “My cousin said it’d be around $5k.” Well, your cousin also said Dogecoin was the future of currency.
Prices fluctuate like gas in a hurricane. Materials in 2024? Steel is up. Wood? Depends on the day. Labor? Depends who answers the phone. And let’s not even talk about delivery fees.
What you risk:
You get halfway in and realize you can’t afford to finish. Then your backyard looks like an abandoned construction site. It becomes a metaphor for your life. The birds mock you.
Pro tip:
Do a rough estimate. Use online calculators. Visit Lowe’s. Take a peek at Greenville’s contractor forums on Reddit. Just… don’t go in blind.
5. Thinking “We’ll Fix It Later” Is a Strategy
Ah, the ol’ build-now-think-later approach. Perfect for sandcastles and Jenga—terrible for roofing. It’s baffling how often I hear, “We’ll just cover it now and worry about drainage later.” That’s not optimism. That’s sabotage with extra steps.
Once saw a patio roof (built without slope) that turned into a kiddie pool every time it rained. Mosquitoes threw parties. A raccoon moved in. Fixing the drainage afterward cost double what it would’ve taken to just do it right the first time.
Do this instead:
Plan the prep. Know your site—how water flows, where shade lands, what trees drop sap or acorns. It’s not sexy stuff, but neither is replacing soggy ceiling panels every spring.
One More Thing (Because Tangents Are Real)
If your contractor doesn’t ask you questions, that’s a red flag. A good one is curious—they want to know how you’ll use the space, what kind of weather your area gets, even whether you barbecue or sunbathe more. If they just nod and quote? Run.
Rethink Everything Before You Lift a Hammer
So… should you start with a contractor right away? Maybe. But probably not. Not until you have some ducks in a row (or at least waddling in the same general direction). Get your rough plan, check your permits, ask yourself hard questions about your budget. Then start shopping for the right partner, not just the first one.
Because this isn’t just about building a patio or adding a roof—it’s about doing it in a way that doesn’t make Future You scream into a pillow.
Your Move, Greenville
If you’re anywhere near Pitt County and thinking about remodeling your bathroom or patio roof extension, hold off for a minute. Make a list. Make a phone call (but maybe not the first name that shows up on Google). Or hey, drop us a message. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the horrifyingly uneven.
And for the love of flashing tape—don’t be the person who builds before they’re ready. That’s a comedy show no one wants to star in.
