Remodeling can be an exciting activity with the right general contractor. However, the process can be stressful if you fail to communicate with the contractor properly. A communication breakdown with your contractor will leave you disappointed and result in a waste of both time and money. If you are thinking about embarking on a renovation project, take a look at the following tips to ease your communication with your contractor.
Set a Time to Talk
Before beginning the project, establish a communication mode with the contractor and how often the communication will occur. Pick a time that works for both of you and where you want to meet, on-site or off-site. Use this time to express your concerns, if any, and ask whatever questions you have.
Clearly State Your Budget
It would help if you let the contractor know the amount of money you are willing to spend on the project. Communicate this to the contractor to help them understand how to work with the budget and plan the project accordingly to avoid any surprises after completing the project.
Keep a Project Journal
Keeping a journal for the project will help you in several ways. First, you can write down what the contractor says they will accomplish on specific dates. You can use this at the end of the project to gauge if they deliver what they promised.
Second, a journal helps to record the project’s progress and any questions you have for the contractor if they are not at the site when you inspect it. Apart from questions, you can also use the journal to note down ideas and suggestions for the project.
Communicate your Needs in Writing and Pictures
Present what you want the contractor to accomplish in writing. You can also use diagrams, images, and pictures for more emphasis. This will leave no room for misunderstanding about what you want, and you’ll be able to use the photos and diagrams if the contractor does not do what you wanted.
Explain How You Will Use the Space
Sometimes, it is not enough to present what you want in writing and pictures. It can help explain how you want to use the room or building under renovation to allow the contractor to remodel the space according to its intended use.
For example, if your company is trying to promote employee health and installing outdoor spaces for breaks and exercise, your office may not need as large an indoor break room as it needed before. Your contractor should have this information before starting the work.
Do Not Leave Room for Allowances
An allowance is an item listed in the contractor’s bid for an item that is not yet determined. For instance, if you have not chosen the countertop tiles to use for your restaurant’s kitchen, the contractors put an allowance amount in the budget as a placeholder. If you do this for several items, their estimates may significantly vary with what you spend in the long run.
Why Communication Matters
In conclusion, good communication between you and your contractor will ensure the smooth flow of your project from start to finish. Always make the contractor aware of what you are thinking regarding the project; do not presume that they know.
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