Working With A Contractor? Here’s How To Have A Good Relationship

Having a positive relationship with your contractor—with clear communication and expectations—is a crucial element of any successful renovation. We asked three experts to share their best advice for hiring and working with a contractor.

Ask a lot of questions

“Talk about what projects they’ve enjoyed—it will help you find common ground,” says Sophie Donelson, a Montreal-based decor expert and author of Uncommon Kitchens. She also suggests asking for photos of renos they’ve done at their own homes, as that’s typically where contractors will have done their “most ingenious” work. 

Don’t hire on price alone

“Budget is a big consideration, but if things aren’t sitting well during your interview, trust your gut,” says Kristen Coutts, host of Home Network’s Beer Budget Reno. (Remember: In most cases, this person will be in your home for an extended period of time—which will feel even longer if you genuinely don’t like them.)

Work with a designer (if you can afford it)

“Kitchen projects are a marriage between three parties: homeowner, designer and contractor,” explains Sappho Griffin, founder and principal designer at Henhouse in Halifax. “The designer refines the aesthetic and conveys it to the contractor with a full set of plans and product specifications, the contractor executes it and the homeowner pays the bills on time.”

Griffin says that hiring a designer for a full-on reno typically starts at around $10,000 for the design work plus project check-ins.

Know the price implications of your decisions

“There can be huge budget and scheduling implications when you change your mind mid-project,” says Coutts. “Little upgrades—like backsplash tiles that cost a bit more per square foot or a slightly better faucet—add up.” 

Don’t go in expecting a battle

“I think people go into contractor-homeowner relationships the way they go into a weekend with their mother-in-law,” says Donelson. “Instead, get them excited to work for you by being kind, listening to their ideas and paying them on time.”

Trust the experts

“Contractors are more than just labourers you dictate a vision to—they’re skilful problem-solvers,” says Donelson. “They’ll tell you what is and what isn’t possible,” adds Coutts. “They’ll be able to advise you on budget and explain what your limitations are.”

Don’t come in hot if things go awry

Be open and honest about any issues; as with any relationship, communication is key. “Say things like ‘We’re a little bit more delayed on this particular process than I thought. Can we do more frequent check-ins?’” advises Coutts.

Make sure the contract is clear

“Payments should be milestone-based, not timing-based, so that you’re not left hanging if things go wrong,” says Coutts. Also include a dispute clause in case your relationship takes a turn for the worse.