How to bring the best out of the trades people:

The principle here is straightforward but not always that easy to apply. The principle is the
Golden Rule, ¡°do unto others as you would have them do unto you¡±. It will do you no good be getting on their case or be watching over them to see how everything is going. You have plenty of time for quality control which we talk about in more detail in the planning section. For now let’s try to remember the golden rule so that every one is happy with each other.

Be hospitable, ask them what you can do so that their job will be easier. They may ask you to have an area cleaned out or that cabinet emptied or your car parked somewhere else so they can have direct access to your home and don’t have to worry about banging into anything. Most tradespersons are contracting and want to get things done and move on to the next job, so do your best to facilitate that. If it is a hot summer day, ask them if they would like some cold water or ice tea or something. If it is cold out offer them some coffee or warm chicken broth. I strongly suggest that you set up a coffee room for them to have a comfortable break and lunch. This would be the ideal place to have a pin board to place a copy of the schedule (Productivity Planner) and any other notes or communications to pass back and forth. A little hospitality can go a long way.

Do not watch over them like a hawk and criticize every little thing. Often things don’t look that great until the final touches have been installed. If you have a problem or you can clearly see that something isn’t going the way you wanted then bring it up to the foreman or the individual in a non condescending way. Maybe say something like ¡°Excuse me, I wa thinking things were going to be like this or that? Is that what you are doing¡±. That will usually bring them on track or at least get it caught so you can clarify how you wanted things

Communicating ideas can be quite difficult at times so be patient and try to get as much of it in writing as necessary. That¡¯s what this planner is for, it helps you get your thoughts and ideas out and on paper to ensure the clearest and straightest road to success

Being pleasant and helpful will not only bring the best out in the trades persons but will make you look like #1 in the trades person’s eyes. They are there to provide you professional service and that is what you should expect. Remember the golden rule and be sure to enjoy your project.

 

Section 4 Check list:
Have I checked out the references.

Did I call the Better Business Bureau to check out potential contractors.

Is contractor properly licensed and insured.

Have I locked up and put away all rare, precious and extremely valuable items.

Is the contract perfectly clear, itemized, dated and signed along with payment terms & hold back.

Do contracted parties have copy of contract, schedule, etc.

Is there a break room set up for the workers.

Enjoy the process for you are gaining valuable experiences and probably about to make some new professional friends.