The problem is that GCs have the same incentive as real estate agents. It's more profitable to do 2 quick jobs (even at 80% of top pay) than 1 quality job (at 1

The problem is that GCs have the same incentive as real estate agents. It's more profitable to do 2 quick jobs (even at 80% of top pay) than 1 quality job (at 100% of top pay). Quantity > quality. Lesson learned from watching my parents build a home & personal projects: treat any payment of funds as a sign off on the work and expect you'll never hear from them again. If a GC baulks at 1/2 withheld until completion/inspection, move on. If you have any concerns about the quality of work, refuse to pay until it's completed.