Working With a Residential Construction Contractor
Many remodeling projects are big enough and complicated enough that you need to work with a residential construction contractor. Although the extra expense of doing this might seem to be very extravagant, it is usually well worth it in the end to have the benefit of an expert working on your project.
Working with a residential construction contractor requires that there is a strong flow of communication going both directions. You need to feel comfortable about asking questions and ensuring work is done as expected and your contractor needs to feel comfortable directing you toward the best decisions for your project.
Residential Construction Contractor
Before you even begin the project, the two of you should sit down and come to an agreement on communication expectations. Both of you should know when it is best to communicate, what method is the best to use and how often the two of you should expect to talk. You don’t want to bug the contractor and spend too much time second guessing his or her work, but you do want to be attentive and assertive about interacting with your contractor.
Your contractor should keep you up to date on the progress of the project, let you know what to expect in the coming days and be proactive about working with you. It is not out of line to ask for progress updates every day or two, especially if you are on a tight timeline or tight budget. If you are not living at the location where the remodeling project is happening, schedule time at least once per week to meet the contractor at the job site and walk through the project together. Make sure you arrive a little early so you can walk through first on your own. Keep a notebook and pencil handy for writing down notes, comments and questions. Any reputable residential construction contractor should welcome your involvement in the process as long as you do not become too overbearing or picky.