Tips when working with a contractor
Oh, the love of a remodel. Who doesn’t love it? HGTV, DIY, and never-ending blogs promoting the glories of the update, just leave it, professionals, right? However, most remodels would be so lucky to be quick and easy. In reality, most of us will have one or more problems arise when updating our home. So, I thought I’d offer a few tips when working with a contractor.
Tip #1: BE PRESENT
Not in the yoga sense, but the physical one! Make sure you meet with your foreman and each of the staff at least once a day. Have the lead contractor’s cell phone number. Check-in daily if you can’t physically check-in during the workday.
Tip #2: REVIEW
Review the job with the foreman or designer. Review the colors of the paint, the location of each paint color, finishes being used, everything! Don’t assume they have remembered what you wanted, especially if there are a lot of people working on the job.
Tip #3: JUST SAY NO
Avoid going with a contractor if they use subcontractors, usually, the subs haven’t reviewed the job thoroughly, or at all. My parents have a nightmare story of their recent bathroom update. The subs were not qualified, even though they had used the same contractor for years. They were happy with his work in the past.
Tip #4: AGREE ON A TIMELINE AND CONTRACT
Make sure you agree with the contractor when the job will be complete. Get it in writing if possible with a discount to you if they don’t complete it on time. A lot of contractors will pick up more jobs than they can handle and then work on each job a little each day.
Tip #5: NOTE IMPORTANT DATES
Find out when items (such as tiles) will be delivered. Make sure everything arrives on time. When each item does, check to make sure the correct item and quantity arrived.
Tip # 6: CHECK THE WORK
Once the work has been done (or started), make sure it is up to your standards. If it isn’t, ask for it to be done correctly. Take photos to document.
Tip #7: PAY FOR COMPLETED WORK
If you have checked the work and something isn’t correct, make sure it is done before you pay the full rate. The contractor I work with may not agree with me on this, as his company is a reputable company, but many are not and you don’t want to get left with unfinished work and a handful of excuses.
Following these should help your job run more smoothly. Know it is rare for a remodel to be 100% free of mistakes. Make allowances for them and be a flexible client to ensure the smoothest update possible.
Contact me If you need any help.
