Why Picking A Contractor Is A Lot Like Dating
Your dream renovation or building project can quickly turn into a frustrating struggle if you pick the wrong contractor. In fact, I often tell people that finding the right contractor is like finding the right partner.
Before we get into it—I’m Will, Sales Manager and Estimator at Twin Lions, and over the years I’ve learned that picking the right contractor is about finding someone who matches your energy and truly understands your vision.
There are qualities to look out for when considering contractors, and some red flags that you definitely need to steer clear of if you want to avoid a disaster down the road (and in your house).
First off, let’s talk about:
Trustworthiness
Your building or renovation project should feel like a partnership between you and your contractor. And a strong partnership is built on trust. When discussing the project, do you feel like they are being open with you, and working with you to meet your needs? Or does it feel like they’re overpromising to get you to sign the contract?
Open Communication
No matter the size and scope of your project, your contractor should regularly update you on progress and address any questions that may arise as work continues. You should also feel comfortable reaching out to them if there is anything you’re wondering about. That way you can ensure that you are aligned and working towards the same goal.
What Does Their Ex(perience) Say About Them?
What would people say about their past experiences with your contractor? Are there glowing reviews all around? Or are there some comments that make you raise an eyebrow? Check out their portfolio of previous projects to see if yours fits within their scope of work, and make sure they are a good fit for your project.
Can You Rely On Them During Tough Times?
Sometimes, problems are caused by things that are completely out of anyone’s control. Can you rely on your contractor to tackle these issues while keeping you in the loop?
At Twin Lions, we once worked on a renovation project where the client’s hot water tank was nearing the end of its life and suddenly stopped working. As luck would have it, this happened just before Christmas, and although we weren’t responsible for the tank failing, we decided to gift our client a brand new hot water tank so that they could stay warm during the holidays.
Do They Go Above And Beyond?
You don’t want to work with someone who cuts corners, uses cheap materials, or puts in minimal effort to complete your dream project. Pick a contractor who seems enthusiastic about your goals, and is keen to discuss how to make your ideas come to life—or even suggest new options to explore.
Is Your Contractor A Golddigger?
After discussing the scope of your project with a contractor, do you feel like they are trying to overcharge you? It’s always a good idea to “shop around” and talk to a few contractors to get a better sense of what different teams want to charge you for the same project. Ask about fee structures so that you know when payments are expected and aren’t suddenly surprised by an invoice you can’t afford.
When we work with our clients, we always have their best interests in mind. For example, in some cases we will even advise our clients against renovating if they are planning to sell their property soon. This is because—depending on the project—homeowners sometimes aren’t able to recuperate the added value of the renovation when the house is sold. Other times, we use our experience to flag clients if they are being overcharged for certain materials and suggest more suitable alternatives.
The Takeaway
As you can see, the right contractor shares a lot of the same traits as the right partner. So if your contractor starts gaslighting you, overpromising or being dishonest, that’s a sign to find someone else for your project—otherwise, it could end in heartbreak.
Your contractor will be a big part of your life for a short amount of time, so make sure you pick one that aligns with your values and goals. Ask yourself the right questions, consider your options, and trust your gut.
If you’ve got any more questions or have a project in mind, feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation.
