How to [TRY] to Avoid Conflict with Contractors
As I mentioned in previous posts, Sergio and I hired professionals to help put together our house after we gutted the kitchen.
While I'd love to chit-chat about our unpleasant experience with our contractor, I thought it would be more productive to share tips that may save you a couple of headaches in the future. Tip #1: Get everything in writing. From your proposal to the due date. Use that as your guide when things start delaying or projects aren't done as previously agreed. We got our proposal in writing and when our contractor attempted to raise his fees, we used that proposal as our defense. Tip #2: Prepare yourself for unexpected surprises. This means that while they fix your house, things are going to come up. These unexpected surprises will cost money to fix at that moment with little to no time to shop around. It's important to keep a little money in reserve for a situation like this. In our case we had to factor in $600 more for labor to fix minor issues.
Tip #3: Buy your own material. Make sure you have control of the quality of the items you are purchasing. It's important that your contractor provides a list of materials needed beforehand. Review it and confirm it several times. We reviewed it and confirmed, yet found ourselves having to take 10 trips to Home Depot in one day! Trust me not fun. So ask your contractor to anticipate situations and materials he may need, remember anything that doesn't get used can be returned (so save your receipts). Tip #4: Communication is KEY. Ask your contractor to speak to you clearly and honestly. If something can't be done or he is unable to meet a deadline, request that he tell you as soon as possible. We all know things happen, therefore encourage your contractor to keep a line of open communication. Tip #5: Be assertive and don't let them walk over you. This one was a tough one for me. I treat everyone with respect and assume all others will do the same. However, when you see that people are not saying what they said they will do, they are disrespecting you. You can still express how you feel without having to become confrontational. Practice being assertive and saying when something isn't going right.
I hope these tips work! I hate having to say this, but the impression I have gotten is that this is how a great majority of contractors work. They work behind schedule and will tell you what you want to hear to get your business. This behavior shouldn't be acceptable. As a business owner, I have deadlines and clients all the time, we should honor those completely.
Remember this is your house and you are paying for these services. You have worked too hard not to expect the best! Best of luck on this part of the renovation journey!
Love always, Jenni
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