How to Maintain a Relationship With a Contractor

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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You've found a contractor to complete your dream project. How do you maintain your relationship with him/her? Remember, both you and the contractor have the right to end the relationship at any time within the boundaries of the contract. It is just as important for you, the client, to treat the contractor properly and professionally as it is for the contractor to treat you well.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Set up a general time-line for the project.

Step2

Set up a schedule of payment. Note: Never pay more than one-third before the project begins.

Step3

Set up certain guidelines or rules that you wish the contractor to follow, such as what time the contractor can begin working on the project, whether or not the contractor can use the bathroom inside the house (always an important consideration), where he can leave building supplies needed during the project, and what areas of your property you wish the contractor to avoid (such as gardens or flower beds). If necessary, you may write these guidelines or rules down, and make certain to observe them yourself.

Step4

Communicate with your contractor. Should you have any questions, be certain to ask them. Conversely, should the contractor have any questions, make time to discuss them. This benefits you both. If both of you are able to communicate with each other, you will be able to maintain a good relationship that may last for not only this project, but many others to come.

Tips & Warnings

If it is necessary for the contractor to enter the house while you are away, let him/her know where a key can be found.
Never pay more than one-third before the project begins.