Do you worry about working with contractors? Are you worried about them working in your home? What is the etiquette? Should you offer them a cup of tea and talk to them or leave them to it? Are you unsure how to keep them happy and be the perfect client?
After many years of working in the industry I have a few tips that might help you feel more comfortable and make you your builder’s best client!
The most important tip I can give you is to offer your contractor a hot drink! It may feel awkward, but it is such a welcoming gesture and even if they say no offering them a hot drink (and throwing in a biscuit!) will go down a treat and break the ice.
Be sure to only book your tradesperson in when the job is ready to be worked on, there is nothing more annoying for a plumber to turn up and find that the builder is still work in the room and he can’t get access to the area they need too. Also clear the space they will be working in of any clutter and give them a tidy workspace to make their job as easy as possible.
Don’t forget if the contractor is there for a long time they are likely to need to use your facilities and may need to charge up their tools. You can make this easy for them by showing them where they can do this when they arrive.
Another simple but easy tip is to allow them to park nearby or on your driveway. It is so much easier for a tradesperson to get to their tools and equipment if their vehicle is right outside the house.
And finally when the job is over, don’t forget to pay your contractor as soon as they ask, its rude not to (if you are happy with the work of course!) and it’s awkward for them if they have to chase you!
Media Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/oamw52SCGi0 Photo by Callum Hill on Unsplash
