7 Tips for Making Contractors Your Allies
For a contractor as vested as you are in your home project's success, follow these time-tested techniques from a professional designer
Erika Ward
November 11, 2012
It often seems we hear more bad stories than good when it comes to client-contractor relations. Miscommunication on both sides is a common culprit.
In my experience it has been easier to discuss issues and salvage existing relationships than start over completely with a new company. Thanks to mutual respect and an awareness of each other's expectations, my contractors and I have build lasting relationships. They feel vested in the project and take a personal interest in helping me look good in the eyes of my clients.
Here are a some tips that have helped me get the best from my contractors — and from other service professionals as well.
In my experience it has been easier to discuss issues and salvage existing relationships than start over completely with a new company. Thanks to mutual respect and an awareness of each other's expectations, my contractors and I have build lasting relationships. They feel vested in the project and take a personal interest in helping me look good in the eyes of my clients.
Here are a some tips that have helped me get the best from my contractors — and from other service professionals as well.
Remember that payment is paramount. Pay your contractors in a timely fashion, in accordance with the work completed. This point cannot be stressed enough. Your payment allows the contractor to pay his or her subcontractors, vendors and suppliers.
It's important to both parties that the project remains on schedule. Delayed payment or no payment at all makes it difficult to keep workers onsite and for the contractor to maintain a business. As added protection, it's recommended that you withhold 10 percent of each gross progress payment as a retainer. Once the job is complete, pay the retainer in full.
It's important to both parties that the project remains on schedule. Delayed payment or no payment at all makes it difficult to keep workers onsite and for the contractor to maintain a business. As added protection, it's recommended that you withhold 10 percent of each gross progress payment as a retainer. Once the job is complete, pay the retainer in full.
Know that small gestures count. There are times during a project when a little thoughtfulness goes a long way. When crews are working overtime at your request to complete a task, have their meals delivered to the site. Your contractor will appreciate your considering their nutritional needs. You'll also have the advantages of keeping the break shorter, relieving them of the inconvenience of leaving the jobsite and keeping their bodies fueled for their work.
Be accessible. When decisions need to be made and time is of the essence, an owner that is inaccessible makes the job more difficult, especially in stressful situations. If your schedule prohibits you from being available, consider hiring a project manager to oversee the daily work and make decisions on your behalf.
Give your contractor referrals and honest feedback. People tend to be more vocal when they encounter problems and less vocal when they've received exceptional service.
There's nothing wrong with expressing either type of opinion, but do it constructively. If there were problems on the job that would cause you to think twice about working with your contractor again, take a moment to make your concerns known. Your contractor then has the opportunity to improve the level of service and provide you with an incentive for giving him or her another try.
Conversely, if your contractor has provided you with a job well done, do not hesitate to refer him or her to others.
There's nothing wrong with expressing either type of opinion, but do it constructively. If there were problems on the job that would cause you to think twice about working with your contractor again, take a moment to make your concerns known. Your contractor then has the opportunity to improve the level of service and provide you with an incentive for giving him or her another try.
Conversely, if your contractor has provided you with a job well done, do not hesitate to refer him or her to others.
Effectively communicate the timeline and deliverables. Before each of the contractor's respective phases begins, each party needs to have a realistic expectation of the time it will take to start and finish the task. Timelines can be compromised due to delays from preceding contractors. Proper time should be allotted to meet expectations and maintain the contractor's level of workmanship.
Be considerate of your contractor's time. Without the mutual agreement of both parties, do not contact your contractor outside of normal business hours. Contractors, like you, have commitments to fulfill outside of work, even if they are just spending time with their own family.
Have a defined set of plans and specifications. Unless the contractor runs into unforseen circumstances, a good set of plans and specifications speaks for itself in your absence.
If your contractor is installing finishes, with a set of plans there is no miscommunication regarding what material goes where. Do not confuse your contractor with your designer. Contractors are hired to install your products, not to create your vision.
More: What to Look for in a Contractor's Contract | More remodeling tips
If your contractor is installing finishes, with a set of plans there is no miscommunication regarding what material goes where. Do not confuse your contractor with your designer. Contractors are hired to install your products, not to create your vision.
More: What to Look for in a Contractor's Contract | More remodeling tips
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On the other hand, we had another contractor who was referred by a coworker "he's worked for my family for 25 yrs". When later asked how this contractor was, I told my coworker "when was the last time you saw his work?" The man was rude, didn't listen, left trash all over the place, ruined a patch of the driveway, was overpriced... I had to stop the project midway because the shape of the column (Craftsman) was just the opposite of what I had shown him. I'm still fuming!
I'm the same customer for both builders. Hmm...