The Etiquette of Working with Contractors

Contractors, from plumbers to electricians to painters to landscapers, are experts in their respective fields and deserve respect that they seldom get from homeowners who hire their services. At the same time, many contractors may resent the poor treatment they receive and can themselves be impolite in response. If both the people who hire contractors and the contractors themselves practice appropriate etiquette, jobs can be done more quickly and efficiently, leading to a more satisfying - and often profitable - experience for both parties.

Etiquette Tips for Hiring Contractors

If you need to hire a contractor, whether it is to make minor repairs, major renovations, or regular service, being polite can help them complete their work more quickly and with better results. A polite homeowner may even be such a novelty to the contractor that they will go above and beyond their services, and if their rates are charged by the hour, proper etiquette and a faster job can easily lead to a lower overall bill.

If you are hiring a contractor:

- Prepare their work area to make it easier for them to complete the job they are hired to do. For example, if a plumber needs to fix a drain, cleaning out the area under and around the sink can help them do their job more easily.

- Keep children and pets out of the way and quiet so the contractor can concentrate on the job without distractions. For many jobs, it is also safer if children and pets are not around the work area.

- Stay out of the contractor's way yourself. While it is perfectly acceptable - and wise - to check their progress, avoid excessive checks that can be a distraction or annoyance. You have hired the contractor for their expertise, and it is best to let them get on with the job.

- If you have gotten multiple bids or estimates from competing contractors, call those whom you have decided not to use to let them know you won't need their services. This allows them to move on to other jobs and saves you the bother of follow-up phone calls.

- Offer simple supplies for the contractor's use, such as basic cleaning supplies. While most contractors will supply these items on their own, offering items to use can help the job go more quickly. If the job is a long one, consider offering soft drinks or snacks as a courtesy to the work crew.

- If you have questions, ask politely and do not interrupt the contractor during a tricky bit of work. Always explain the job to be done thoroughly so they understand your needs and expectations, and don't hesitate to ask about their techniques so there are no misunderstandings.

- Pay promptly when the job is finished, and be sure your payment method is acceptable long before the job is complete. If the job has been exceptionally done, consider a suitable tip, and always remember that a price estimate is just that - an estimate. Do not haggle over minor price changes that can be reasonably explained.

- Allow contractors to use bathrooms and sinks, particularly for long jobs. This can save time to avoid bathroom breaks when contractors need to leave the property. Similarly, consider offering a large cooler or space in a refrigerator for drinks or lunches as needed.

- Always offer a sincere thank you when a job is complete. Basic courtesy is appropriate in every situation, including working with hired contractors.

- If a job has been exceptionally well done, call the contractor's boss or manager and offer specific praise. Be open to offering recommendations to friends and family members, or allow the contracting company to give out your information for future clients to contact you about your experiences with the company.

If you are the contractor being hired:

- Provide an accurate, detailed price estimate with a breakdown of potential costs. It is always wise to offer an estimate that is high without being artificially inflated, just to be sure the job does not go over the price excessively at the end of the job.

- Be on time for the job or call ahead if there is a delay. This allows the homeowner to have your work area prepared and to adjust their schedule to accommodate your needs as much as possible.

- Avoid playing audible music or ask the owner if you can have a radio on, and if they agree, choose a station that is inoffensive for everyone present. Everyone has different work environment preferences, but ultimately it is the homeowner who should decide if a radio is acceptable.

- Dedicate yourself to the job at hand and avoid taking phone calls or having other interruptions as much as possible. If necessary, check phone messages when you are on a break and keep any interruptions absolutely minimal. This will help you finish the job more quickly and show the owner how important their business is to you.

- Cover or remove your shoes when in the owner's house, or ask if it is all right to have work shoes indoors. If necessary to protect the floors and speed up the job, lay down plastic or tarp over the work area and anywhere you need to be walking frequently.

- Explain the job process thoroughly, including the steps you will take to complete the work and the estimated time it will take for each one. Be especially clear when noting any drying or setting periods for different materials when it may seem you're not working, and let the owner know the estimated length of time for the entire job. Answer any questions carefully and thoroughly.

- With a big job, such as a home expansion or renovation, contact the immediate neighbors to let them know about the work - without revealing private details - and what to expect from contractors in the neighborhood. This is a great opportunity for networking for additional business and referrals, and be sure to include contact information for neighbors to use if there is any trouble with the work crew.

- Do a little extra on the job if it is not a great expense or inconvenience. This may mean fixing a dripping faucet in a bathroom you're allowed to use, or offering to change a light bulb after an electrical job. This type of going above and beyond can make a great impression and result in positive referrals and much more business.

- Always clean up after each day of work, including removing trash and debris, sweeping floors, and putting materials away, even if the same materials will be needed the next day. Only use the owner's trash cans if you have permission to do so. Clean up extra well after the job is completed.

- Follow up a week or two after the job to be sure the owner is still satisfied with the work, and offer to correct any problems they may have discovered. This is a great time to remind the owner about filling out a review form or offering referrals if they wish, and can result in more business in the future.

When both owners and contractors are polite and follow proper etiquette, doing home repairs, renovations or maintenance doesn't have to be difficult. Polite interactions can be faster, easier, and more profitable for both parties, leading to a better, more enjoyable experience in the end.