Contractor Communication: Key to Success for Renovations

[Ian Checketts]

Communication: As most of you know this is the most important part of any business. If you can’t communicate properly you are likely never going to accomplish the task you are working towards.

1. Walk the property with your contractor explaining what you want done, have them explain back what you are expecting. Then have them provide a detailed quote stating the cost for each scope of work.
2. Provide a scope of work: this is best prior to walk through, but you may need to talk things out with the contractors. The scope of work needs to be a detailed document explaining everything; the work to be done in detail, how the work is to be done, the hours the contractors work, how they are paid, the insurance and licensing they need to perform the work and so much more! This contract will vary based on the amount of work to be done, but no matter what put everything in writing to ensure you both agree and have it documented for when it comes time to pay.
3. Provide detailed floor plans, elevations, and other necessary construction documents. A simple floor plan can save so much money to make sure everyone knows exactly what you are doing. This is also the legal binding document holding them to the work you contracted them to do. This is well worth the cost and effort, whether you pay a draftsman or simply draw it up yourself, I promise you will save yourself so many problems.