Headache-Proof Construction Projects: Six Smart Steps for Managing Your Contractors

When you decide it’s time to hire out some work, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got control of the situation. Contractors are valuable assets to the small business owner’s plans, but to make sure you’re getting what you’ve paid for and that all work is being done according to your standards, there are some precautions you should make. Keep the following things in mind when hiring your next contractor to help ensure an enjoyable and beneficial experience is had by both parties.

Get Everything in Writing

Many people feel that they can take a contractor at his or her word, and perhaps they can. But you don’t want to find out the hard way that your contractor can’t be trusted. When you go to make agreements regarding any aspect of your project, whether a contractor accountant or someone who is building your new office, be sure to create contracts for everything, including every single detail you’ve discussed. Have your contractor sign it, and sign it yourself, as well. This will help keep you protected in the event that your contractor tries to go back on his or her word, or claim that something wasn’t part of the agreement.

Check References and Validate Claims

It’s great that your contractor says he’s got several licenses and credentials to back him up, but people can say anything they want. Make sure you take the time to do a thorough check of the contractor’s references, and validate any claims of licensure or certification. Don’t be afraid to play investigator and dig a little deeper to ensure the person you’re hiring is reputable.

No Advanced Checks

Imagine if you went to apply for a job, and after you were hired you told the hiring manager that you’d like to have your first month of pay up front, with overtime, because you plan to work the overtime. You would be laughed at, and probably let go. So why should you pay your contractor for work that hasn’t been completed yet? Never feel obligated to pay in advance for work; you can easily lose money that way.

Up-Front Plans

As much as you may trust your contractor’s professional opinion, you’ll want to make sure that you have all of his or her plans up front. In other words, whatever your contractor is planning for your project should be expressly written and discussed up front. Know exactly what your contractor plans to do, how he or she plans to do it, and in what time frame you should expect it to be done.

Be an Unexpected Guest

Be sure to drop in periodically at the job site, and make scheduled visits, as well. Showing up unexpectedly can help you ensure that the job is going as planned, and limits the availability of your contractor to plan for your scheduled visit by covering up any illicit activity. Most of the time, you won’t have to worry about a contractor acting unprofessionally. But it’s always best to keep an eye on things. In the corporate world, your boss will check in on you and can review your work at any time; it should be no different when you hire out work.

No Need For Three Strikes

Don’t feel obligated to give your contractor multiple chances if things are starting to take a turn for the worst. If it’s apparent that your contractor is not holding up his or her end of the bargain, you may let them go at any time. It’s always best to get a new contractor than to continue with someone who is causing you problems.

Alex Finch loves his work in construction. He enjoys blogging about his experiences and insights to help others be successful in their projects.