Best Practices When Working With Contractors
Hiring the right contractor is a process. Choosing between different (and often competitive) bids is hard and picking the company you are going to entrust your home renovation with is huge!
After you’ve chosen your contractor of choice hopefully you are feeling more excited and optimistic about the process, but there is still more to do. It’s important to communicate your expectations of the project and know the contractor’s plan-of-action.
In today’s blog we will share a few best practices while working with your home improvement contractor in Everett, WA in the beginning and end stages of the siding replacement in Bothell, WA planning process.
1. What work is Involved in my project?
Understand the job’s sequence and everything that is included in the work. It pays to have an outline of tasks to know what to expect. Even if certain things seem obvious, error on overly-communicating. If the work agreement is unclear to you, ask for clarification.
2. What is the timeline of the work?
Job timeline is one of the hardest things in the construction and remodeling industry because there are so many unknowns. Once a job starts there can be unexpected add-ons due to unknowns, such as rot or other hidden issues. This can add days or weeks to a job, which sets the company’s schedule behind. Knowing that date changes are a possibility with your project start-date is important.
One thing you can do to help you contractor is to let them know any dates that specifically do not work for the project being completed, then if there are scheduling changes, they can accommodate your scheduling needs.
Ask the contractor how they will update you on the timeline, and make sure you let them know your preferences.
3. How will you and I communicate?
Establishing good homeowner-contractor communication is a two-way street. To avoid misunderstandings and disputes, talk to your home improvement company’s representative about the best method to exchange messages during the project and after hours.
Some people prefer phone calls while others prefer email or texts— let them know what you prefer.
4. After the project & wrapping up the job
With all home remodeling projects, there are many details to finish up at the end of the project. When the job is almost done, do a detailed walk-around your home and make any notes of questions or concerns. This is an important step because you might see things that your contractor doesn’t, and it is better to handle it while the crew is still working.
At Perdue Builders and Supply, we’re committed to simplifying your home improvement project and helping you plan everything from start to finish. To get your project started and request for a free siding consultation in Kirkland, WA, call (425) 398-8609 now or fill out our form here!