Contractor-client relationships are based on mutual trust. A contractor invests their time and skills to ensure a remodel goes according to plan and expects the homeowner to meet their end of the bargain. But for everything to work out as planned, contractors such as McDermott Remodeling wish their clients understood particular aspects.
Here’s a list of things your remodeling contractor would like you to know about your project.
Have a Flexible Budget
A budget provides a clear guideline of what you plan to spend. However, it shouldn’t be cast in stone: keep it flexible. We don’t like saddling our customers with unexpected expenses and surprise bills. But, sometimes issues arise, and some items can cost more than projected, while others could be less. Be realistic by factoring in such changes in your budget.
The Construction Schedule is Likely to Change
Project timelines allow both parties- the contractor and the homeowner- to read from the same page. Nonetheless, remodels tend to be multi-layered, with various steps requiring time to complete. If there’s a delay in one step, then the rest of the project will likely take longer than expected. For instance, regulatory approvals can take time, leading to time overruns. As a result, you may need to adjust the agreed-upon schedule.
Avoid Micromanaging or Hovering
Sure, homeowners want to ensure that every aspect of their project goes according to plan. Unfortunately, dictating every minute detail can be a tad counterintuitive. Would you feel excited if someone was hovering over you as you worked? A contractor is a professional, and upon hiring them, it’s advisable to let them do their thing. Doing so can save time and hopefully allow them to meet your project’s timeline.
Getting in on the Action Has its Downsides
Sometimes, avid DIYers feel inclined to play a part in a project. Does it always work out as expected? For starters, a customer’s involvement can lead to issues down the road. Case in point, a client, opts to order parts or materials for a remodel, only to receive lower-quality materials. Returning such materials and reordering eats into the project’s time, leading to unscheduled delays. If you’re footing the bill, it’s advisable to let the experts handle the details.
Keep the Questions Coming
Communication is the key to sound client-contractor relationships. If you need clarifications regarding some aspects relating to your project, speak up by asking questions or expressing your concerns. Responsive contractors are keen to detail a project’s scope and provide relevant information when necessary. Open dialogue ensures you’re familiar with what the contractor sets out to do.
The Weather is Uncontrollable
Inclement weather can derail any plan, especially an exterior remodel. For instance, a sudden rainstorm on what would otherwise have been a bright sunny workday can mean putting off work. Although the weather is out of a contractor’s hands, it can impact the project’s schedule. In some instances, forecasted severe weather doesn’t turn out as projected, leading to frustration if scheduled work is shelved.
Keep Valuables Secure
All the hammering, drilling, and sawing can cause an unintended raucous. Besides causing a disturbance, the vibration and movement can cause breakage of items if they fall off their perches. It helps to tuck away fragile and valuable stuff before work commences to avoid such mishaps.
Problems Will Come Up
Something can and usually does go wrong! Trouble is often looming around the corner. It’s only a matter of time before it throws a spanner in the works. But, when all is said and done, how well a contractor deals with the inevitable is what counts. Provided the client and contractor are on the same page regarding a project’s deliverables, it’s easy to surmount any issues.
Feel Free to Shop Around
There’s no denying the potential payoff of shopping around for a suitable contractor. Before you settle for a contractor, we’d be happy to know that you’ve done your homework. Simply put, a contractor wouldn’t mind if you compare quotes before hiring the candidate you consider to be the best fit. It defeats logic having to offer a job only to second guess a contractor once the project starts.
A Contractor Won’t Pull a Rabbit out of a Hat
Sure, a contractor’s connections can help you with permits. For instance, they can expedite approvals but don’t expect them to work magic. In short, they won’t bend the rules or cut corners to ensure approvals that don’t meet building codes. Plus, trying to get them to do so may ruin the relationships they’ve forged with the permit office. It might help to stick to the straight and narrow for everyone’s benefit.
To engender a mutually beneficial relationship, the contractor and client need to find common ground. Thus, by understanding these aspects, a homeowner and remodeling pro can work as allies to ensure the realization of a project’s goals.
