subject: Little Gestures Lead To A Better Remodeling Project [print this page] Little Gestures Lead To A Better Remodeling Project
The relationship between a remodeling contractor, his or her crew and the homeowners whose property they are working on has to be a good one if the project is to really proceed as smoothly as planned.
That this relationship is at least courteous and respectful on both sides is even more important if your home remodeling project is slated to take six months instead of six days. Here are some tips for developing a good rapport with your remodeling contractors.
Give Your Remodelers Room
Many homeowners fall into the habit of questioning almost everything their remodeling contractor and his crew does, simply because they are paying them and the boss/employee scenario is easy to slip into.
Sure, these folks are indeed getting paid to be in your home, but that doesn't mean a little respect won't make a huge difference. You wouldn't stand behind Leonardo da Vinci and tell him how to adjust his brushstrokes would you?
The same is true for the way you treat your remodelers. If you knew how to do this stuff you would be a remodeling contractor yourself but, as you are not, please give your remodeling crew the space to get on with their job.
Setting the House Rules
No one is saying that remodeling projects are all about the homeowner pleasing the contractor in order to ensure they do their best work. It is still your house and you have your rules and your contractor will understand that.Simply make sure that you lay down those rules clearly at the beginning of the project. Unless you tell them your remodelers have no way of knowing what is and is not acceptable in your home.
Home Access
Your remodeling crew are likely to be at your home all day, every day, and unless it is a large construction site and they have arranged for their own Port-a-Potty the fact is when you gotta go, you gotta go.
Any remodeling crew will appreciate it if you let them use your facilities rather than having to go to the gas station down the road. If you are worried about the mess lay out some towels that you don't mind getting dirty for workers to dry their hands on and keep the bathroom stocked with soap and other essentials.
If you have the room perhaps you could also allow the workers to eat their lunches in a space in your house rather than sitting out in their cars in the rain. You can be assured that the crew will appreciate these small gestures and will also be able to work more efficiently when bathroom breaks don't mean a 10 minute car ride away from the site or a soggy sandwich in the rain.
Little Extras
While certainly not a requirement, many homeowners have reaped plenty of benefits by going the extra mile for their remodeling crew. Simple gestures like a pot of coffee in the morning or a couple of pizzas at the end of the work week.
Who wouldn't be appreciative of those kinds of small tokens of thanks? And while you're enjoying a slice with the guys, it will give you a chance to get to know them a little better.
Likewise, now they know who they are working for, who they are letting down when mistakes are made or deadlines missed. They are far less likely to allow those kinds of things to happen in the first place if they know that the homeowners they are working for appreciate their hard work.
