When you plan a renovation project for your home, the first person you will contacts is a number of local general contractors to see who can do the job. Once you have a contractor hired, it is important to have a good working relationship with them. This will protect you and keep you informed during every step of the project.
Keeping Lines of Communication Open
Communication with your contractor is the key to a successful working relationship. Make sure to check in with your contractor on a regular basis and ask the questions that need to be addressed. Good contractors should be happy to answer your questions and ease any budget or scheduling concerns you may have throughout the renovation process.
Don’t Change Project Plans
Once you have your renovations plans set with your contractor, it is generally a good idea to stick to them. Suddenly changing significant portions of the project work right in the middle can put a strain on the contractor’s ability to do the job you want, especially if it will cause an inflated budget and a lengthier schedule. Renovation plans don’t have to be set in stone from the beginning, but you should talk with the contractor before the work gets started to understand what areas of the project can be changed once the project gets started and how long you have to address these changes before its too late.
Be Accommodating for the Work
The one thing that a contractor doesn’t want to see is a customer they have a difficult time working with. Customers that want contractors to keep noise down, prevent workers from using facilities in the home or other actions that impede work will not be met well. Instead, make sure that if you need to have a quiet place to work, that you are the one to leave the home during the renovation process, and make sure that you make it as easy as possible for the job to be done. Occasional compliments on the work can go a long way to working well with your contractor.
A good working relationship with a contractor benefits both parties. You will a fantastic finished product in your home and your contractor will get another satisfied customer.