Working with Your Home Improvement Contractor
For a great head-start, make sure that both sides understand the other’s expectations on the project, completely. You, as homeowner, should have carefully read the contractor agreement drafted by the professional indicating: the scope of work, time of completion, contract price, provisions, and other terms. Review the specification plan with the contractor. These steps minimize the chances of surprises, saving you more time and money.
With the initial preparation taken care of, now comes the actual home improvement project management. Here are top tips in working with your contractor to make them perform better and avoid disagreements.
Open Communication Lines
Clear and open communication is among the most vital elements that should be present in any relationship and this includes yours, as a homeowner, with your hired contractors. With this, managing issues immediately as they emerge can help resolve them at a stage where they have not yet escalated. And thus problem resolution is practiced within timeframe and budget.
Put on the Working Hat
Being able to speak on contractor terms is your best bet at getting your messages across and becoming a receiving end that comprehends. This makes learning about home improvement a must and an advantage, if you already have quite some knowledge.
Insurance
Having construction and remodeling works done within your property makes it a must to have proper insurance coverage. With the ongoing project, chances of accidents are higher and treating insurance matters lightly could lead you to face ugly legal and financial disputes in the end. Make sure that the insurance you carry covers liability over worker compensation, property damage and even non-workers both allowed and not to be within the premises.
Working Environment
Provide a good working environment for your home improvement contractors. This could help boost the quality and time-efficiency of the work that your hired professionals deliver. Arrange for bathroom facilities and an area where they could comfortably enjoy their meals. And they sure won’t mind if you show up every so often to serve some snacks and drinks.
Be Meticulous in Keeping Records
One of your most important tasks as an owner-manager is keeping records of every transaction made throughout the project. What you will need is a complete but comprehensive system that would help you in tracking all areas and processes comprising the project. Create an organized f ile of service agreement contracts from contractors, scheduling plans, records of worker’s compensation, invoices, purchase orders, paid receipts and other such documents. Ready access to these important details could help resolve disputes faster. And this could also serve as your protection against injury liabilities and liens.
Craftsmen Network,
New York, NY