Tips to get the best work from your contractors
As carpenters we regularly work with clients on a number of home projects. We know what it’s like to work with people and what their expectations of us, as their contractor, are. As with most jobs there are ways to ensure your hires are doing their best and working hard. The same goes with contractors.
From our experience, here are our tips to ensure your contractors are happy and giving you the best work possible:
1. It’s all about communication
Good communication allows you to know what’s going on at all times and help your contractor know they are on point and doing well. Ask how your contractor prefers to communicate with you and have pre-determined times to meet or talk. This is an opportunity for you to hear progress reports and find out what work is scheduled over the coming days. It’s also the time for both parties to ask questions and voice any concerns.
2. Know what you want
When initially going over costs of a job, know what type of materials and product selections you want before the project starts (Eg. What kinds of wood do you like, or hardware you’d like to use). This helps your contractor keep costs within your budget and ensure there are no estimations for items. Costs for certain items may be higher than the estimation and shock you mid-project. Know what you want and ensure there are no surprises.
3.Keep it in Writing
We are always open to client ideas and designs. Jotting down information or sketches help us know what you want in your final project. Note things you want to ask your contractor as well as record product order numbers and delivery dates. You may decide to include additional work as the project evolves. Any good contractor can handle these changes; just make sure that they bid them in writing first before any more work is done. Having a record of what was said when will help if there are any disputes later on.
4. Be a Good Customer
One of the best ways to get quality work out of a contractor is to make them enjoy working for you. That means being decisive with the contractor and giving him a check promptly at the agreed-to points in the project.
Being friendly and accommodating of the workers is a great way to motivate them to do their best for you. Try:
– Designating a bathroom that they can use.
– Greeting them by name each morning.
– Serving them cold lemonade on a hot day.
– Complimenting their work (as long as you feel it’s worthy of praise).
Work with your contractor and together you can have the home you want. Happy contractors make better workers and these tips will ensure both of you are informed and content throughout the project.
