Hiring contractors to complete projects for your home or business can be a wise move, allowing you to tap into specialized expertise. However, the success of your project largely depends on establishing a harmonious working relationship built on clear communication and expectations
Follow these 15 tips to foster stellar contractor relationships that lead to outstanding results:
1. Do Your Homework Upfront
Taking time to properly vet and select your contractor is key. Research options online and ask people in your network for referrals Look for contractors who have strong reviews, proven experience, and expertise that aligns with your specific project needs.
Ask prospective contractors detailed questions about their qualifications, specialties, past projects, and management process Verify they are licensed, bonded, and insured Review their portfolio and request references to speak with previous clients.
2. Be Clear on Project Scope
Provide extremely detailed specifications on what work you expect the contractor to complete. Being vague can lead to miscommunications down the line. Make your expectations crystal clear from the very start.
Create a written project scope document that outlines all required tasks, materials, timeline, budget, and provisions in minute detail. Walk through this with your contractor to ensure complete understanding on both sides before finalizing the contract.
3. Set a Realistic Timeline
Work collaboratively with your contractor to map out a project schedule that is realistic yet ambitious. Factor in time for acquiring permits, inspections, materials delivery, curing concrete, etc.
Build in a buffer for inevitable hiccups or delays. Hold your contractor accountable to agreed upon interim deadlines and completion dates in the contract.
4. Get Regular Progress Updates
Set expectations for regular check-ins and progress reports from your contractor, especially for large, complex projects. Require a daily or weekly high-level update on achievements, upcoming milestones, and any roadblocks.
Requiring accountability helps surface issues early before they escalate. Maintaining an open dialogue builds trust and keeps the project moving briskly.
5. Make Payments Tied to Progress
Rather than paying your entire fee upfront, structure payments in installments tied directly to completion of milestones. This incents the contractor to stick to the agreed upon schedule and scope of work.
Hold back a percentage of each payment until you’ve verified the work was done properly. Only make the final payment once the project is complete and you are fully satisfied.
6. Get Everything in Writing
Any changes in project scope, timeline commitments, budget increases, or provisions should always be documented in writing rather than verbal agreements. Relying on handshakes or memory can cause major misunderstandings.
Maintain a paper trail that provides legal documentation and protects all parties in case disputes arise. Email summaries of any conversations involving decisions or changes to keep aligned.
7. Be Decisive and Timely
Your contractor will need timely decisions and approvals from you throughout the duration of the project. Provide feedback and sign-offs quickly to avoid unnecessary delays over minor decisions.
Come prepared to meetings with decisions made rather than wasting time pondering. Indecision can grind productivity to a halt.
8. Don’t Make Last-Minute Changes
Resist the urge for eleventh hour changes in materials or design once the project is already underway. Making changes on the fly, no matter how small, can significantly impact project budget, contractor schedules, and final outcomes.
Lock down all design decisions before work commences. Late changes should only be considered when absolutely necessary.
9. Be Flexible Within Reason
No project ever goes 100% according to plan. Be flexible and willing to compromise when unexpected challenges arise. Rigidity will only strain your relationship.
That said, don’t compromise on quality or major provisions in your contract. Only make concessions when it genuinely benefits the project or helps the contractor deliver.
10. Manage Your Own Expectations
Get on the same page with your contractor from the start on what is realistically achievable within your budget and timeline. Contractors can work magic, but they cannot bend the laws of time and space.
Accept there will always be some level of imperfection and errors. Perfect should not be the enemy of great work delivered on time and on budget.
11. Don’t Micromanage
You hired a contractor for their expertise, so avoid hovering over their shoulder constantly or questioning every little decision. Allow them space to execute based on the agreed upon plan and scope.
Micromanaging will only slow down contractors’ productivity and sap motivation. Show you trust their judgement while monitoring milestones.
12. Provide Input, Not Demands
Offer frequent input and feedback to your contractor, but do so respectfully. Rude demands will only damage your working relationship.
Phrase requests as suggestions or recommendations rather than orders. Say “Would you please consider XYZ?” versus “Do XYZ now!” to get what you want without antagonizing.
13. Use Direct Communication
When problems do arise, address them immediately, professionally, and head-on with your contractor. Do not vent frustrations indirectly through emails or passive-aggressive remarks.
Honest, direct conversations demonstrate maturity and prevent conflict. Seek win-win solutions through compromise. Pick your battles wisely.
14. Show Appreciation
Recognize your contractor’s hard work by saying thank you. Express gratitude for an especially long day or quick turnaround when you need it.
Provide snacks, coffee, or lunch periodically. Send a thoughtful gift once the project wraps up. Appreciation boosts morale and strengthens relationships.
15. Leave a Review
Once the project concludes, leave an honest review on websites like Yelp highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and overall experience working with the contractor. This helps future customers make informed hiring decisions.
Provide a fair, factual assessment – not an angry rant or exaggerated praise. Share the review directly with the contractor as well so they can improve.
Maintain open channels for frequent progress updates and direct feedback. Pick your battles wisely and demonstrate appreciation. Following these tips will lead to smooth projects from start to finish.
The ideal contractor relationship minimizes stress so you can focus on your business or personal priorities rather than micro-managing operational details. Do your due diligence selecting the right contractor, then get out of their way and let them handle the rest while holding them accountable.
So next time you embark on a major construction or renovation project, keep these tips in mind. The more effort you put into setting your contractor relationship up for success early on, the more smoothly the project will unfold – and the happier you’ll be with the finished results.
What is a Contractor and What Does a Contractor Do?
A contractor is a person or company that provides services to clients for construction, renovation, repair, or other types of projects. Contractors are typically hired to complete specific tasks or projects, such as building a new home, remodeling a kitchen, or installing a new roof. They may work independently or as part of a larger construction company. Contractors are responsible for providing all necessary equipment, materials, and labor to complete the project, and are usually paid on a per-project or hourly basis. They may also be responsible for obtaining necessary permits and complying with building codes and other regulations.
There are several types of contractors, each with their own specialized skills and areas of expertise. Here are some examples:
- Electrical contractors: These contractors specialize in electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance. They may work on residential, commercial, or industrial projects.
- Plumbing contractors: These contractors specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems, including pipes, fixtures, and appliances.
- HVAC contractors: These contractors specialize in installing and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
- Painting contractors: These contractors specialize in painting both interior and exterior surfaces of buildings.
- Roofing contractors: These contractors specialize in repairing and installing roofs on buildings.
- Landscaping contractors: These contractors specialize in designing and installing landscaping features, such as gardens, patios, and walkways.
- General contractors: These contractors are responsible for managing the overall construction project and coordinating the work of all other contractors involved in the project.
Communication is key when it comes to contractors completing your renovation work properly and on time. Read our tips for dealing with contractors.
As a homeowner, you must understand the value of finding the right contractor for your home renovation project. You’ve likely spent hours asking friends and neighbors for recommendations and researching contractors online. Perhaps you browsed through several portfolios and interviewed several candidates. You’re excited for your renovation work to begin, and you want to find a contractor who shares your enthusiasm.
But first things first, we must know the different types of contractors, and what they do.
How to Work with a Contractor | Ask This Old House
What are some tips for working with contractors?
Here are some tips for working with contractors: 1. Be clear Before you reach out to contractors, determine what you’re looking for from their service. Without clear instructions from you, a contractor may not deliver the services you want.
How do I choose a good general contractor?
Agree at the beginning on a finishes schedule and budget. Many GCs will write into contracts that they will pick finishes if the client doesn’t make timely choices. Advice for finding a great general contractor and tips for working effectively to build your next home.
How do you manage contractors?
Record any project changes in writing Another way that you can manage contractors is by recording any project changes in writing. This can ensure that your contractors understand new processes or goals and help them improve productivity. It may also help you settle disputes if a contractor doesn’t complete a job to your organization’s standards. 3.
What makes a good contractor?
A contractor should be able to answer your questions satisfactorily and in a manner that puts you at ease. Tom says that it’s crucial that you two communicate well because this person will be in your home for hours at a time. On the other hand, don’t let personality fool you.
