3 Mistakes To Avoid, Part 1

When it comes to hiring a contractor, or getting the work as a contractor, I find a few common mistakes that others (and even myself) have made in the past.

The first mistake is hiring cheap. We can find ourselves in positions where we, as customers, have an idea of what we want but maybe don't have the budget to accompany our desires, and even expectations. As contractors we can occasionally be tempted to take jobs that pay too little just to stay busy. After all, some money is better than no money at all. This can especially be the case when you're first starting your business. As customers, this practice can lead to price changes and delayed project time lines. The contractor may over-estimate their abilities or under-estimate the requirements of performing the job tasks properly, leading to longer project times and attempted price changes. On the contractor side of things, there may be a realization that a job which was expected to take two weeks will actually take four. When there is no contract provisions regarding unforeseen circumstances these delays can sink a business. Let's say you agree to complete some new trim surrounding a window that is rotted. A price is given reflecting the materials price and one day of labor. Upon removal of the trim it's discovered that the framing itself is rotted as well. Not only would it be impossible to install the trim over such softened, rotten wood, it would be irresponsible to ignore the structural issues happening behind the trim and surrounding wall. Proper inspection at the initial meeting, as well as provisions within the contract and communication with the customer about possible changes and costs, could avoid a situation where the customer will not agree to additional costs, resulting in lost wages or losing the customer/contractor completely.

For the second mistake to avoid, click here.