Tips for working w/ contractors

Tips for contractors

1. Don't shop on price alone. The best contractors are not the cheapest.
2. Don't do business with a contractor who doesn't make safety a priority.
3. Look for a contractor who is bonded and who has a training and certification program.
4. Expect good workmanship, and insist on it. This includes good housekeeping.
5. Communicate clearly with the contractor: provide good working drawings, project specifications, and verbal instructions.
6. Don't "nickel and dime" the contractor.
7. Insist all work conforms to industry codes and standards.
8. Make access and working conditions as easy as possible on the contractor.
9. If the contractor recommends additional work, understand the impact on cost and scheduling.
10. Know what you want ahead of time. Try to eliminate any midstream changes --these are expensive and can cause major problems.

1. Do not compete on price. To do so means taking shortcuts on quality.
2. Make sure your people wear the right safety gear and get safety training.
3. Make sure your bond covers the kind of work you do. Train your people, and document their proficiency.
4. Refuse to do any work that does not showcase your good workmanship.
5. Communicate clearly with your client. Discuss problems with working drawings and project specifications.
6. Don't "nickel and dime" your customer.
7. Insist all work conforms to industry codes and standards.
8. Do your best not to disrupt your customer's day.
9. If the customer requests additional work, explain the impact on cost and scheduling --never surprise with these things.
10. Review the customer's plan before beginning work. Try to anticipate changes so they don't come midstream. You will save your customer time and money.