Home Improvement Contractors - How to Avoid a Love-Hate Relationship With Your General Contractor

It's no secret. Contractors don't always have the best reputations. Often, they are loved and hated at the same time. It's a bit like bitter-sweet candy that puckers your mouth when you eat it but you just gotta have some more. Should we simply accept that contractors are to be viewed as necessary evils? No, not at all. But, what do you do ensure a good experience?

 

What is a Building Contractor? 

First, I want to give some brief descriptions so we're on the same page. In basic terms, a contractor is a builder. These builders either provide specific and narrow services as "tradesmen" (or subcontractors) such as plumbers, framers, and electricians, or they can have broader duties and manage entire projects as a General Contractor. In most cases, contractors are licensed. There are different licenses for each. Some licenses provide for a broad range of duties and others are very specific.

 

In most home improvement projects, tradesmen/subcontractors are used to complete specific projects like framing an addition, adding plumbing, or installing more electrical wiring. A General Contractor can be used to hire and manage those subcontractors. If the project is small or simple, many homeowners will skip this step. Instead, they elect to find their own subs and manage the project themselves.

 

The Value of a Good Builder 

Let's refer to the General Contractor as your "Builder." A good builder brings a lot to the table. Hopefully there's a lot of knowledge and experience behind him/her. But, there's a lot more to it than just experience.

You hire a builder because you want someone to make sure that you get what you want. You want him (or her) to manage the process, hire the subcontractors, purchase the materials, get the proper permits, draw the plans, keep the job moving forward and keep you informed.

 

A good builder executes and communicates. Poor builders muddle through projects and hide from the homeowner. Good builders earn and maintain trust. Poor builders skirt the issue of trust from the beginning (often by making wild promises) and go downhill from there.

 

What Should You do as a Home Owner? 

Simply put, you want an excellent manager. One that executes and communicates. Every project has challenges and set backs. Do your research, check references, and find a builder that has these skills to go along with his knowledge and experience.

 

Your experience with the builder you choose is also up to you. Clearly state from the beginning just what you expect. Demand to be kept "in the loop" about what's going on ... especially when those challenges arise. Set communication schedules and keep them. Let the builder know that you want explanations for delays and plans on how they will be dealt with.

 

Remodeling Can Be a Great Adventure 

Love-hate is for the birds and it just doesn't have to be that way. You want a great result in your home improvement project but why go through hell getting there? I don't know about you, but I'd forget the bitter-sweets and start poppin' some chocolates.

You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* e-course that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.