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Working With A Remodeling Contractor
Are you in the process of planning to
remodel your home? If the answer is yes,
here are some tips on how to establish
and maintain a good working relationship
with your remodeling contractor.
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Everyone who begins the remodeling
process has visions of the "dream" home
they'll have when it's completed. Few,
however, give much thought to the dust
and dirt, noise, inconveniences,
scheduling delays, and slight problems,
which will need to be dealt with along
the way. These elements are part and
parcel of any remodeling job and every
client needs to be realistic and accept
the fact that there will be some
inconveniences.
How inconvenient and unpleasant the
process will be depends a lot on the
working relationship we create right
from the beginning. A good
client-contractor relationship depends
on several things.
- Be honest with us from the
beginning regarding your
expectations. Clear
communication is the foundation
of a successful project.
- Be realistic about what you
are looking for in the remodel
and what you are willing to
budget for the project. Many
homeowners enter a remodeling
project with grandiose plans
that need to be scaled down to
meet their budget. We’ll work
with you to provide you with the
best your money can afford. But
remember, this is our
livelihood. As with any
profession, some profit margin
must be factored into the price.
- Let’s discuss our work
schedule. If the schedule falls
behind, feel free to ask why.
- Realize that certain stages
of remodeling may seem to go
more quickly than others. For
example, in stages when more
tangible work is being done (for
instance when walls are being
torn down or replaced, framing
constructed, or appliances
installed), you'll have a true
sense of rapid progress. During
other stages, however, which are
more hidden (the installation of
electrical lines or plumbing),
it may seem that the work is
going nowhere. Don't worry. Just
because you can't see it easily
doesn't mean that nothing's
happening. Trust us... it is.
- Recognize your role in the
remodeling process and allow us
to perform our work. Your input
regarding design, craftsmanship
expected, etc. would be worked
out before the contract is
signed. Once work is underway,
give us the freedom to execute
the job effectively. This is not
to say that if you see something
going wrong you shouldn't speak
up. However don't try to take on
our role in the process.
- Avoid changes to the job
scope if possible. They tend to
upset the schedule, which
ultimately upsets you. If you do
decide some changes are in
order, settle the cost
difference up front with the
lead carpenter or salesperson so
there is no misunderstanding.
Finally, remember that maintaining a
good contractor-client relationship
is a two-way street. Just as you would
want others to respect your professional
expertise, please respect ours. At the
same time, you can be sure that we're
committed to providing you with as
painless are model as possible, with the
final results you expect. |
