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tips for hiring contractors

Tips For Hiring Contractors And Small Businesses


Know How To Hire -
And Get Top Notch Service From Contractors

Most contracting companies are small businesses being operated by the owner, who's the chief, cook, and bottle washer, combined.  Folloow these tips for hiring contractors, and you'll become more reasonable, patient, and satisfied.  As a result, your approach will help ensure many successful transactions. 

 

Imagine You're The One Providing The Service

Jobs sometimes are delayed through no fault of the contractor.  The contractor is always at the mercy of his subcontractors and his suppliers whom he or she has spent significant time developing working relationships with.  For the contractor to operate an efficient business, the last thing they want to do is to ruin the essential business relationships they've spent years forging with other companies.

 

Businessmen Second, Craftsmen First

Contractors are not always well oiled machines.  They are craftsmen first, and businessmen second.  They're craftsmen, and 'human' craftsmen, too.  They typically have to manage everything about their businesses without the assistance of employees, at all. While a contractor is working for you, they must continue to give out estimates, set-up new jobs, obtain materials, handle billings, permits and approvals, and much more just to keep their business afloat and to make a living. 

 

Expect Them To Make A Profit

Estimates are the biggest sore point with every contractor, but are still an essential aspect of running a successful business.  While consumers are being told to get as many estimates as possible before making a decision, many great contractors know there's a strong likelihood that they won't get the job after all.  While constantly scrambling to secure paying work, they often don't have the time or resources to present a plan that captures your attention.  Treat them fairly, and most will go well out of their way to make sure you are delighted.

 

Be Honest

Up front, tell the contractor how many competitors are in the running and, based on the estimate, how good a shot he or she has at getting the job. The contractor generally believes that you will go with the low bid, no matter what. So, you should convince the contractor that you are willing to pay a reasonable amount above the lowest bid for quality workmanship.  The best renovation jobs I've seen, are the ones in which contractor and client formed a partnership to achieve the best result possible.

 

Get References

Ask for references of former satisfied customers.

 

Give Referrals If You Like The Service

The process of giving referrals for a job well done ensures that the contractor can operate and grow their business, while continually improving their services for their customers, like you.  Referrals may someday come back to benefit you, too, and to those you refer. 

Image Attribution:  Blue Paint - Stock.Xchng

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