What's in a Remodeler's Control ... and What's Not
It's a fact: All clients play a vital role in the success of a remodeling project and contribute to their own satisfaction. What is the difference between a client who contributes in a positive way and one whose contribution is unproductive?
Professional remodelers look for cooperation from clients. They invest time to educate their clients and set realistic expectations. A knowledgeable remodeling client, who has some understanding of the idiosyncrasies of the process, is more likely to appreciate the process. Every remodeler's greatest hope is for a client who realizes what is and is not in a contractor's control and who has realistic expectations for how issues will be managed and problems resolved.
One of the most obvious and frequent issues to arise in any construction project is the weather. Rain, temperatures that are too hot or too cold, and any other severe climate condition are out of any earthly being's control! When weather conditions result in postponed delivery of materials and delayed installation, the entire remodeling schedule can be set back. Although professional remodelers cannot control the weather, they can prepare for adverse conditions by communicating regularly with their subcontractors and materials suppliers to gauge their availability once the weather clears and by keeping the homeowner informed about possible changes to the schedule.
Other external circumstances -- such as natural disasters in another part of the country or even global trade trends -- may cause the cost and availability of construction materials and labor to become volatile or unreliable. With proper controls in place, however, a professional contractor should be able to mitigate or adjust for delays and cost overruns by providing adequate lead time for materials delivery and by making sure each trade partner finishes his phase of the work before the next one arrives.
Another common source of delay can come from the local building department. Plans must be approved before work can begin and inspection visits must be scheduled to review each phase of the project. Building departments, like the weather, are beyond a contractor's control. Nevertheless, smart and successful remodelers become well acquainted with the local building department and know how long it takes to get approvals and the amount of lead time a building inspector needs to schedule a visit to the project.
Even under the best of circumstances, however (and barring any problems caused by weather or other outside forces), there's always a risk when you rely on other people to help complete a job. The remodeling industry exemplifies shared responsibility among a complex network of players. Contractors rely on specialty trade contractors and materials suppliers to deliver pieces of the puzzle on time, within budget, and according to specifications and standards. Experienced remodelers minimize risk by developing relationships with stable, reliable trade contractors and suppliers. But even the best companies are subject to unanticipated events, such as accidents, injuries, or equipment failures.
The truth is that a remodeler's role is often equal parts manager and craftsman. The successful remodeler has developed the ability to administer complex scheduling as well as supervise a variety of trade partners and their work performance, all in a setting where uncertainty is the norm.
The knowledgeable homeowner has an appreciation of this uncertainty and a reasonable expectation of what a remodeling contractor can control. To support a mutually positive outcome, contractor and client should discuss their expectations before the project begins and frequently during its progress. That understanding and communication will result in the coordinated effort by contractor and client most likely to achieve overall success and satisfaction with the completed project.
Warm regards,
