In this article we would like to discuss the most frequently asked questions from potential clients that often cause the conflict between a client and a contractor.
I. Cost of the work:
Quite often, one can find customer complaints about the total cost of the repair appearing to be quite a bit higher than originally expected. It’s possible? Yes because? Let’s clear this up. We need to say that we would ignore the situation (which unfortunately occurs) when chasing the client, the contractor intentionally provides understated numbers and when the client is on the hook, anything can be done.
Let’s look at the standard situation. He decided to do a repair, he chose several companies and asked them to prepare an estimate. Many questions immediately arise: for example, “Is it possible to prepare an exact cost estimate to a guilder?” In general it is possible. But for this you would need a detailed design with the drawings, specifications, bill of materials, etc. It would take several months and more to do this type of cost estimate and 2-3% of the costs would be allocated for contingencies.
Let’s be realistic. With more than eight years of experience in the management of the company, we had the opportunity to deal with this type of project several times. In the best case, the design ends at the stage of general drawings with the delivery of detailed drawings stage by stage.
Sometimes we receive general drawings, rough design drawings, etc. But the most frequent situation is the following: nothing is available or “please make me what you see in this magazine”. Can you specify what exactly you want? Who knows? Can you offer something as a professional? For several minutes of conversation with you, the appraiser must guess what your taste is and come up with some options, as well as make your dreams, desires, unclear contours and everything that you thought over long evenings come true in the form of concrete numbers. Actually, the cost estimate is the plan for the repair of your apartment with connectivity to specific materials (for example, the bedroom will use painted wallpaper, and the children’s room will use plain wallpaper) with average prices for they.
In our opinion, for this cost estimate to be as close as possible to the actual cost, you should do the following:
1). Work with designers as possible. Costs you incur for design work will be generously reimbursed. You will see the apartment repaired beforehand, not when everything is done. It may seem that what you have planned is not good for your floor or the material you like is too expensive and there is a better option for you. The cost of redesign on paper is not that high.
2). While preparing the cost estimate, it is necessary to make a work list and make some decisions (for example, laminate will be installed here and glazed tiles will be installed there, etc.). It is also necessary to discuss what quality and price of materials will be used in the cost estimate.
3). A client should ensure that it is impossible to view everything in this document. Before starting work, it cannot be identified which area of the wall should be plastered, and which area should only be leveled, and what exact amount of materials would be used for this. Even for detailed cost estimation, a client should anticipate a minimum reserve of 0-15%. In this case, it is better to include more in the document and reduce the actual expense. In addition you pay for work and specific material at a specific price. Therefore, the greater the quantity and range of work, as well as the prices of materials, the higher the cost of work.
II. Terms.
Obviously any repair is related to problems and any client would want to finish it as soon as possible. But let’s not become heroes of popular TV shows that describe how brave contractors one day glue down the wallpaper, lay the tiles, install the wiring and even eventually vacuum everything.
One must realize that there are some activities that cannot be done in a hurry. If drying of the lined wall is required before laying the glazed tiles, this must be done, no matter how long it takes. If the wall needs to be glazed and cleaned 2-3 times before applying high-quality paint, then this should be done. Violation of the required technology and terms will result in additional cost to the customer.
third Quality of work.
Everything mentioned above is true for the quality of work. In addition, there are also two significant factors. To a large extent the quality of work depends on the quality of materials. We all want to save money, but you need to avoid absurd situations when you assign work with high-cost materials to people who earn pennies. A good teacher must be highly qualified, earn good money, use good tools, and take responsibility for their work.
IV. “If I pay, I do what I want”
Magic words…..but let me note that there are objective phenomena that cannot be ignored. For example, without special measures, you cannot make the opening work or remove the load-bearing wall, no matter if someone wants it. And quality glazed tiles cannot be installed on cement, only on special glue. And for a specific paint, a specific filler should be used, not the one that was found on the cheap. A good professional who values his work would explain to you why sometimes your wishes cannot be satisfied and he would rather refuse to do the job than do something wrong.
I hope this article helps you find a good contractor. In all your endeavors follow the motto: Trust your work to professionals.