Dealing with Contractors

Are you looking to employ a contractor to make renovations or repairs to your property? The best way to ensure that you have a positive experience and get the work you want done is to communicate clearly with your contractor and to set expectations.

We've all heard about the home repairs that went over budget and took much longer than expected. So how do you make sure you're dealing with a reputable contractor that you can trust? Firstly, you need to ensure that you're choosing the right contractor for the job. Ask around to get recommendations from friends, family and colleagues. Remember that word of mouth is worth a lot in the trade industry. Selecting the right man (or woman) with a good recommendation from someone you trust can reduce a lot of your stress about the job.

When you're discussing the work you want carried out with your contractor, you need to make sure that you set clear expectations from the outset. Be as specific as you can so that your contractor knows what he is working to provide. Don't decide halfway through a job that you want something completely different. You should have a firm idea of what you are employing your contractor to do and stick to it.

Understanding what you want will also help you to obtain a firm quote upfront which takes into account all the building materials for the job and your contractor's time. If you are giving him a major job to do, your contractor may need to factor in the time for assistants or other tradesmen to lend a hand. Make sure you discuss the materials and labor with your contractor so that there are no unforeseen costs in your final bill.

Finally, agree on a timeframe for the job and encourage your contractor to stick to it. If complications occur, make sure he informs you and offers practical solutions and workaround times. You will want the work completed as soon as possible, but avoid being unreasonable about the time it takes to do a good job.