A homeowner’s worst fear…a contractor that doesn’t have the
right work ethic or someone who simply cannot perform the way you need him
to. This seems to be the horror stories you read on the internet and hear
about on television, but we tend to think it doesn’t actually happen all the
time. But, if it does happen to you, we do have a
solution.
First thing is first, you want to identify the
problem. Once you have done this you will want to communicate effectively to
your contractor and anyone else who has an impact on the outcome of your
project. Have a meeting with the contractor and other important people in a
space where it is just them. Remember to remain calm with your contractor but
express your concerns in a clear cut manner. A good way to make sure you
mention everything (and for him to remember everything you mentioned) is to
write them down on a sheet of paper. You can always give him the sheet of
paper when you are done with your meeting too. Having this meeting in a
private space will help your lead contractor maintain his professional
dignity among his employees.
Another tip for dealing with a
contractor when you are unhappy with his work is to actually hear him out. We
always see on television when designers or homeowners jump down their
contractors throat for not doing this or that, but imagine if the shoe were
on the other foot and there was actually a solution for the problem you were
having or simply a communication mistake between you and the contractor? Here
is what you can do as the homeowner. First, remember to listen. You will
definitely earn some respect if you listen and hear what your contractor has
to say, hey you might even hear their solution for the problem. Second, try
not to place blame. Again, there could be a simple explanation for the
problem. For example, if you were thinking you wanted maple hardwood floors
but didn’t communicate that and got oak. The issue isn’t your contractor it
is the line of communication between you two.
