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BEST PRACTICES FOR COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR (as told by a contractor)

5/17/2022

2 Comments

 
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​Anyone who has completed a home renovation or home construction project will agree that communication is vital.  Good communication reduces stress, improves project satisfaction, and limits cost overruns. 

Homeowners can minimize opportunities for miscommunication, by following B Gallant Homes Best Practices.
​ONE POINT OF CONTACT
Elect one person within your household to speak with and relay decisions to your Project Manager

This ensures that communication with your Project Manager maintains efficiency and accuracy.  With only one person “authorized” to discuss details and ask questions regarding your project, similar questions and contradicting decisions are avoided.

Of course, this doesn’t mean only one person has the decision-making ability, only that one person communicates the agreed decisions and asks the collective questions.
​KEEP A PROJECT JOURNAL
Have a set place to record your project details.  Paper or digital doesn’t matter, as long as you use it consistently.  Everything from conversations with your Contractor, decisions you’ve made and the dates you relayed them should be easily accessible to your household.

Record the questions you want to ask, have asked, and the answers you received.
  
Whether you mainly communicate in person or via phone, text, or email, having one spot where you can reference information is best.

Remember to date your entries just in case.
SPEAK UP
If you’re unsure of what a term means; you have a question; don’t like a suggestion; or notice the wrong product is installed; speak!

Builder jargon is a thing, standard for the industry, but ambivalent for everyone else.  It’s important to fully understand the details and meaning behind the words, so ask for clarification.  

Ask questions or voice concerns as soon as possible. Some changes can be done easily, but others if caught too late will require a significant investment of both money and time to correct.

By speaking up and being clear with definitions, you will reduce headaches for both yourself and your Project Manager.

IMAGES
Clear communication can be better achieved with the use of photographs and images.  

Provide photographs of the areas as they currently are and mark where you want the changes to happen.

Search for images of your desired outcome and share them with your contractor.  

Product descriptions can be misleading, and mistakes can be made when ordering, by providing an image of the detailing or product choice ensures clarity and insurance against mistakes. 

Your Contractor will appreciate a visual representation and you can be sure that the overall effect will be achieved.
UNDERSTAND YOUR CONTRACT
Before any work commences in your home, ensure you have read and fully understand your contract.  You, as well as your contractor, must keep a signed copy.​

Important details, including construction start & finish times, owner and contractor responsibilities, payment terms, and the project’s written estimate should all be referenced. 

Any questions or concerns should be addressed at the time of signing.  It is especially necessary to have your contractor explain their estimate, what is included and what is not.  Think about items such as disposal, inspections, and warranties. 
Everyone communicates in their own way, so before everything else, make sure you have an easy rapport with a contractor before starting any project.

2 Comments

New Home Construction: When to Engage a Contractor

4/30/2020

38 Comments

 
Modern Home with wood accents

ENGAGING A CONTRACTOR

New home construction requires as much time to prepare and plan as it will take to build your home.   Choosing your Contractor is one of the first steps to successfully managing your project and staying on budget and on time. 

WHEN
The best results happen when you engage your Contractor once you’ve decided you want to build.   A good Contractor will contribute greatly to the quality of your project and your long term enjoyment.  Ensure you choose a Contractor you have a good rapport with.  You’ll avoid many common frustrations by understanding how they talk and having your ideas heard.  Many hours in conversation will be spent with them and you will be making decisions on their advice.    

WHO
When searching for a Contractor, contact your local Builders Association to compile a list of reputable builders.  Be careful with any that give an estimate that is far below the average. Inexperienced estimators may leave out significant expenses whereas a quality Contractor will provide you with a detailed estimate and hire experienced skilled workers, an increase in cost and quality.  

WHAT

Your expectations for your new home will be discussed in detail.  What features will be best suited to your lifestyle, area of town that will provide the necessary amenities, the look versus required upkeep, the budget and timeline.  

WHY
Contractors understand the concerns, questions and frustrations involved in every stage of the process.  Details can ruin the big picture, especially any modifications that affect the sub-trades.  Experienced Contractors provide oversight and can anticipate and mitigate problems throughout the build.   


HOW

From these discussions your Contractor will liaise with your Realtor to ensure you're purchasing the right lot that fits within your expectations, coordinate and work with architects, geotechnical/structural engineers, interior designers and other professionals to provide input into the build plan and make suggestions for the most effective ways of turning your dreams into reality.  
During the build, dependant on your contract, your Contractor will monitor the entire project.  The budget, schedule, building permits right through to inspection, quality of sub-trades, delivery of product, and providing a signed Warranty upon completion of your project.  
Regular, scheduled contact with your Contractor throughout the project ensures there are no surprises.


Make your Contractor integral during  every stage of your project and you will have a less stressful, more cost effective experience and a home you will enjoy for years to come
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    B Gallant Homes has been part of the Nanaimo community since 1996.  A leader within the local Canadian Home Builders Association and Host of the B Gingerbread Homes Community Christmas Event.

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