5 Tips For A Great Contractor Relationship
No contractor expects you to know everything about your project before your call…
So why does it seem like you need a degree in construction to have a good remodel experience?
Home renovations are stressful.
Last week we had a couple get into it over choosing LVP flooring options for a guest bathroom. And while it’s easy to write this off as a “one-off” or a “it’s just that couple” problem…the truth is even simple decisions can get overwhelming when they stack on top of each other.
We’ve all heard disaster stories around home remodels.
Is there anything you can do on your end to prevent the stress? Absolutely. Today I want to share a few insights on how to create a great relationship with your contractor.
How To Build A Solid Contractor Relationship
You can search around and hire the best of the best but great outcomes start with you.
Our crew is made up of pros who joined us after working for some of the most renowned companies in the region. They know how to get your installation done right. But every project is different. We know construction…but do you know what you want for your home?
My favorite clients all have one big thing in common: they’re good people- and they’re good at communicating.
To make it easy I made a list of five things you can do to copy their awesome tactics. And don’t worry- it’s simple. I promise you don’t need to have a spreadsheet with everything down to the trim color before you call.
#1. Know Your Budget!
I cannot stress this enough.
This is the MOST important thing to have in mind when you call for a bid. Many homeowners think that telling a contractor your budget upfront is a fast-pass to getting ripped off.
Our industry has that reputation- and it sucks.
In fact, rarely do I have any first time clients come to me with a budget.
But with us? Telling me your budget doesn’t mean I’ll work to charge you the highest price possible. Ultimately, I don’t want you to overspend…I want you to feel comfortable and call us up for your next project!
The reason why telling us your budget is helpful comes down to options.
Within larger projects, there are simple design tricks (like the picture window vs. double hung window mentioned here) most contractors don’t think to leverage.
Our bids always come itemized with option choices. You’ll get an email/text where you can play around with choosing different combinations and see what the final bid looks like before you commit.
The more I understand about your budget and what matters most to you in your project? The more I can tailor your bid to what we talk about in our first meeting.
#2. I actually like your Pinterest Boards…
Last summer, I had a client screenshot and text me photos of a “Dutch Sleeping Cabinet” she wanted us to build. Never heard of it before- but it’s super cool!
You might feel weird sharing your HGTV links and vision boards but they’re helpful no matter who you hire for your renovation.
Remember: The majority of people (65%+) are visual communicators. That includes your contractors!
Showing off your inspiration, even piecemealed together from different platforms, is very helpful.
And if you want extra help bringing a design style to your space? We have someone on staff who specializes in interiors who can help ease the anxiety of choosing the best finishes for your space.
#3. How Long-Term Is Your Home?
Does this sound familiar?
The long-term homeowners who only make “safe/neutral” updates because ‘what will the next homeowner think?’
Or the opposite…
The new homeowners who go crazy on their budget with trendy and expensive finishes in a starter home they only plan on living in for five years
Maybe you’ve gotten yourself in trouble with this before.
I 100% believe you deserve to live in a home you love, surrounded by colors and textures that make you happy. But, going back to the budget question in tip #1, being realistic about your life with your house is important.
Do you plan on buying a bigger house and renting your current one when you have a family? Do you plan on aging in place? Is this your forever-after home or just a landing pad while you launch your career?
If you tell us, we can help you make renovations that make sense within the context of your life and budget.
#4. Get Your Partner On The Same Page.
I’m not getting in between you and your partner and taking sides on whether the $600 or $1300 bathroom vanity is ‘better’. Ultimately, I’m going to install the vanity YOU choose.
Get on the same page as your partner- and anyone else in the house- who’s involved in the project before you call.
You should agree on:
The scope of your project
Your budget
Sure, things change during the course of a project. Being open to change and exploring design is a fun part of the construction process. But budget and scope? You’ve got to have that nailed down with your partner before you call.
#5. Respect Runs Both Ways
I train my crew to make a habit out of the “little” things that make our clients comfortable with trusting us with their most personal and valuable asset.
We show up on time. We keep our conversation clean. We take time to answer questions.
Most of our crew have families of their own. They understand the background anxiety of keeping spaces safe for little feet- even without a big renovation happening. We respect your home as we would our own and work hard to leave our workspaces tidy and free of dangerous materials.
We’re a smaller and newer company, but we’ve always had repeat clients. I’d like to think this is because of how much we put into building relationships on trust and care.
It’s awesome when our clients share these values back towards us.
If you’re occupying your home as we work, there are a few things you can do to help our team concentrate:
Have kids? We love them- especially if they’re into tools. But construction projects are dangerous, especially for little lungs. Let’s keep everyone safe. Coordinate your project on a week they can visit the grandparents after school- or are at summer camp. You get the picture.
Have pets? Keep them crated, locked away with you in your home office, or at a friend’s during work hours. Having a cat or dog run out the back door while you’re loading tools and materials is one of the worst things on a worksite.
Clear an entry/exit for our crew. A path free from yard equipment and toys is one of the best gifts you can give us!
Stressed About Having A Contractor in Your Home?
I get being stressed over contractors.
Asa Construction wasn’t my first company. I have another- Asa Estates- that I used to purchase and rent/flip properties through. It made money but…trying to find reliable contractors I could trust to show up on time and do great work was miserable.
I’ve been on the other side of the phone, wondering if someone will return my call for a bid or if they’ll cut corners when they get on site.
We do construction different here. Not just in quality- but in the client relationships we want to build. Give us a call at 618-417-7103 and let’s make your next remodel stress-free.
