Speaking with a contractor or subcontractor can be difficult, especially when your remodeling project is already in progress
. That's because your house is likely torn apart, and the place you go for comfort is no longer a refuge. It will be a refuge after the remodel is done, and better than before, but it is not a place of peace during the actual work.
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What you want |
Wrong way |
Better way |
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To hire an honest, ethical remodeling contractor. |
Assume every contractor is a scoundrel and let them know how you feel. |
Do vigorous research and call references to make sure the candidate has a long track record of ethical behavior. |
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To get a lower price than what the bid says. |
Say: “What a rip-off. Are you a crook?” |
Say: “How flexible are you with that price? How can we get that lower?” |
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To have the place left cleaner each night after the crews have gone. |
Say: “This place is a filthy mess. What were you, born in a barn?” |
Say: “I’m interested in having the place left cleaner each night. How can you help me with that?” |
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To get shoddy work done over and done better. |
Say: “If you don’t fix this, I’ll sue.” (Note: This may become necessary, but not at the beginning of your negotiations.) |
Say: “I’m concerned about the quality of this part of the job. How can this get done right?” |
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To have better communications with the contractor during the job. |
Pout about non-returned calls and adapt an attitude of bitterness. |
Say: “I feel uncomfortable with the lack of communication we are having. What would work better for you? Office phone? Cell phone? Emails? Texting? A message book at the house?” |
Working with a quality contractor is very important. Planning the construction prior to the starting the work is also super important. A Zeeland Michigan contractor http://www.BrandsConstruction.com helps with the planning stages which needs to happen for the construction to happen exactly as desired.