subject: Brian Darflinger discusses the top mistakes made when hiring a contractor [print this page] Brian Darflinger discusses the top mistakes made when hiring a contractor
Top mistakes made when hireing a contractor:
Mistake #1 You pick a contractor based only on price!
The old adage is really true: "You get what you pay for." This is especially true in the contracting business. If you want good contracting you should decide to deal with a contractor because of the overall value you receive, NOT because they are the lowest priced.
Here's why
Value = Quality + Service + Price
It is impossible for any company in any industry to offer the cheapest price, have the highest quality, and provide the best service all the same time.
You can get high quality and super service, but you can't get both and still get the lowest price. Just like in your business, you hire the best people and buy the highest quality product consequently, you have to charge more for your services.
Total Value is all three: Quality, Service and Price!
The 3 most common problems YOU WILL have when you pick a contractor who only offers the lowest price:
1. The first problem is that dirt-cheap contractors usually don't stand behind their work if there is a mistake. Sure, other contractors might do your job for a little less money, but how will they treat you when there is a mistake with your job? To give the cheapest price, they usually have low-wage, inexperienced employees that have not been adequately trained. They also cut corners by using cheaper material and labor to give that low price. The end result is that you get what you pay for. And the little bit of money you saved ends up costing you more in the long run! Believe me, this is a little saying we tell our customer: "The good feeling of a cheap price is long gone before the stench of poor quality is ever used up." Also, "the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is gone."
2. The second problem with a contractor who offers the lowest price is that they tend to also offer the lowest quality. Your kitchen is the most expensive room to remodel, and also one of the best investments you can make in your home if done properly.
Plainly said, "Shoddy or low quality contracting because of cheap price costs you money." No amount of savings is worth this. You've worked too hard and spent too much money on your home to throw it away for the few cents you save on a contractor instead of investing in the life of the system.
3. And the third reason why picking the cheapest contractor is a problem is that you might get charged extra for things other contractors normally include in their quote in the first place. You'll be charged extra for such things as a painting, caulking, increase in material price, overtime due to bad estimates, or application of permits. Cheap contractors nickel and dime you to death. What seemed like a good price actually ends up costing you more in the end. This is just a tactic cheap contractors use to get in the door.
To avoid buying on price alone, we suggest you choose two or three contractors and rank them in the order that is important to you such as Quality first, Service second and Price last.
Mistake #2 You Think All Contractors Are The Same
Every contractor is different. No two contractors are really the same. Every contractor has different equipment and different employees who know how to do certain kinds of jobs well. Every company has a different number of employees, each with different abilities.
Contracting is art and craftsmanship combined. Most people who hire contractors don't truly understand that despite all of the technological advances, contractors still use the same quality work habits as twenty years ago.
Contrary to what a lot of people think, carpentry is not just the ability to use a skilsaw. It takes craftsmanship to turn out quality work. Contractors have to diagnose, measure and perform complicated calculations before they can start a job. Some 'contractors' accept projects without ever having done them before.
Communication is the key to picking the best contractor for YOU.
- Ask what type of work they do.
- Ask how long they have been in business.
- Ask what is the timing required to finish the job.
- Ask if they or subcontractors do the work.
- Ask if they are using skilled technicians or cheap laborers.
-MOST IMPORTANTLY, Ask how long they have been in the field of expertise. In todays economy, a large number of unskilled unenemployed people are trying thier hand at the trades.
- Ask any other questions that are unique to your needs. This will help you decide whether they are the best contractors for YOU!
After you ask your questions, it will become obvious which company you should choose. The company that wants your business will prove to you that they are the best contractor to do your work. Take your time to decide which contractor you would like to use but when you decide, you must be loyal to them (See Mistake #3).
Mistake #3 You always have three or more contractors competing with each other for your work.
You may think this is good way to do business; it is to some extent. But here is why it usually isn't a good way to deal with contractors.
A good contractor has enough loyal customers so that they don't have to deal with price shoppers. Once you find a good contractor, you must be loyal to them. If you flip-flop from contractor-to-contractor, a good shop won't be too motivated to keep YOU as a customer, and you'll be left "out in the cold" literally when you most need them.
Price is important. But price should not be more important than good quality and good service. This is what people typically like to do. They try to get everyone fighting for the same piece of pie. This might be an OK short-term strategy because you save a few bucks. But when you need a favor or super fast service, not one of these companies will instantly bend over backwards to help you. (And if you have been a price shopper in the past, they will probably charge you more!).
Every contractor expects to bend over backwards for their loyal customers now and then. He or she might have to work all night or on a weekend to do a super rush job or pull off a miracle. Provided the customer is loyal, the contractor will do all he can to help you meet your needs.
All good contractors will be loyal to you if YOU are loyal to them.
Keep loyalty in mind when you pick your contractor.
Mistake #4 You don't give your contractor enough time to complete your job properly! Mistakes happen when you rush!
When you're in a hurry, you may forget to tell your contractor certain instructions. Or you might make a mistake in judgment or purchase decision because you were concentrating on getting it done, instead of getting it done right.
Schedule. Schedule. Schedule.
Before you work on your contracting project, talk with your contractor. Get your contractor involved from the beginning because there might be more efficient way to finish your project on time that you don't know about.
You can save time, money and headaches from the very beginning by communicating with your contractor!
Why do most people do the opposite of this and wait until the last minute to talk to the contractor? Because everyone takes the contractor for granted. Everyone thinks the contractor can easily take care of his or her work. Most everyone thinks the contractor is sitting around waiting for his or her job to come through the door. This isn't the case.
You should think of your contractor as your "project partner." Consult with your contractor. Let them know in advance what you want installed or fixed. Ask them if there are any tips they can give you to make your job go more smoothly.
You are not the only customer your contractor has. When they walk in the door and you're saying you need it now, a contractor can't always help you. YOU need to work together.
Mistake #5 You pick contractors who don't guarantee their work.
All reputable contractors guarantee their work automatically. This means if they make mistakes on your job, they will re-do or fix your job at no charge.
Unfortunately, there are unethical contractors who won't do this. Instead, they won't make good on your work and may not take any responsibility for their mistakes.
An unethical contractor may hold your work hostage. Or they may say they will fix your job, but pin the problem on you and tack on an extra charge. There are about a hundred other things a not-so-good contractor may do to you.
The best thing you can do is pick a contractor who unconditionally guarantees their work. If it's not done right and it's their mistake, they will do it again or fix it.
Mistake #6 You don't ask for references.
This is probably the easiest way you can avoid any problems with a contractor. ALL good reputable contractors will eagerly give you references.
Ask your contractor to give at least three names of people with whom they have done business. Also, ask them how long they have worked with this customer.
Ask them what type of job they did for those references. Try and get the names of customers who had similar things done that you need done.
***AND PLEASE!!- Try and get a reference from aclientthat had work done a few years ago, because ,as I said, there are many people posing as carpenters that dont have ANY history of projects (done correctly) and have lasted without failier. After a project is covered up with drywall or siding, it may take years for the poor workmanship to show through.
This is the easiest way you can pick the right contractor for YOU!
