6 Tips for Keeping the Contractor Happy During Your Home Improvement Project
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Well, we know how overwhelming the entire home renovation process can be. So, it is completely normal if you’re nervous around your contractor or unsure of how you should act.
After all, you do not want to anger or upset your contractor because the fate of your home renovation project rests upon it. So, to help you maintain a healthy and productive rapport with your contractor while the work is underway, here are some tips.
1. Be Open
Open communication with your contractor is perhaps the most significant aspect of your relationship with them. Be honest about what you want them to do. And let them know if they are doing it right or wrong. It is still important to always maintain a respectful attitude. You can point out a problem without demeaning them. So, think carefully about what you’re going to say before you put your thoughts into words.
The second thing is to inform your contractor of your ideas or any changes you want on time. Complaining or pointing out a mistake later will be of no use. So, keep an eye out during work hours for such things.
2. Care for Their Needs
Ensure that the working staff at your house is well cared for. Make sure they have access to everything they need. For instance, if you’re getting your restrooms renovated, rent a portable restroom for them. Shockingly finding festival portable restroom rentals is not as hard as you may think, and the best part is that the portable restroom will get delivered to your doorstep. Also, allow the contractor’s men access to your driveway or a large parking spot near your home. Furthermore, offering them a cool beverage during a hot summer’s day when they are laboring away in your home is a good gesture.
3. Prepare Your Home
Preparing your space for upcoming renovations will make your contractor’s job much easier, and they will surely appreciate it. So, ensure their work area is clean or at least free of dirt and clutter. You can move all your stuff from the affected area into your friend’s or family’s garage or rent a storage unit. If you have children or pets, it may be a good idea to restrict them to a different part of the house, one where work is not underway, or you can send them away for the project’s duration to avoid any regrettable incidents.
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4. Be Available Without Invading Their Personal Space
Satisfaction does not equal good results. It doesn’t hurt to check in every few hours with your contractor and see how things are. The contractor will see this as a sign of devotion to one’s house and the current project. It encourages them to put more thought and effort into it.
Don’t forget to ensure they have everything they need and discuss with them if they face any problems regarding the house. For both matters, be brief. Lingering and idle gossip does not help anyone and ends up wasting the time of both parties. Hovering nearby like a stubborn crow is a wrong move too. The contractor and crew need space to carry out their work; the fewer distractions there are, the better.
A common issue is that people hang around and ask about the procedure. How everything to being done. Best leave it to them. You’re not paying them, so they may educate you on such matters. You are paying them to carry out the work, which they will complete quickly with fewer interruptions.
5. Restrict the Need for Change
We are well aware, and understandably, changes to the original plan may be needed as the project progresses to accommodate the owner’s wishes. However, we urge you to limit yourself on the changes you bring after the work is in progress. Piling on changes can throw the contractor off schedule, not to mention raise the costs and time.
6. Be Levelheaded and Grateful
When it comes to home improvement projects, something is bound to go awry. Be open to that, so you can move on to the next stage of the process. Don’t get angry, especially at the crew. Rein in your emotions, smile, and address the problem with every bit of professionalism you can muster. And we assure you the contractor will respond in kind.
Lastly, show gratitude. These people work long, taxing hours to complete work on your project. Thanking the workers is the least you can do. Also, providing them with water, drinks, and some snacks is a great way of showing appreciation. As far as the contractor is concerned, always leave a good review. That is what the contractor counts on you for the most—to spread the good word about their business. So, take the time to write a review on one of their social media platforms.
Before We Part!
When it comes to your renovation project, don’t let your frustration or panic get the best of you, and you should NEVER take it out on your contractor. Remember that they’re doing their best to meet your expectations, so caring for them should be your responsibility. Being courteous might not seem like something big, but it can encourage contractors to do their best and even go the extra mile. So be sure to follow these tips, and good luck with your house improvement project!
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.
