FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

---

Why is the construction process so complicated?
It really is a very simple process that requires exact steps to be performed in an exact order. That's it. It's like lining up dominoes, if you miss one, you have an issue on your hands, if you don't, it should go by well. You need a partner that knows all the steps in order to line things up properly. Even then, things can and will go wrong and you need a partner who can think on their feet and come up with a solution that will not upset the dominoes too much. You can't see behind the wall until you open it; if mold or an old electric box is there, your contractor needs to be ready to deal with distraction, fix it and get back to the timeline and push the ball forwards. It's that simple, assuming you KNOW the steps and can THINK on your feet. Experience and education are hard to match.

Solution: Make sure you contractor is proficient and has the resources to bring a resolution to any situation that comes up. Ask to talk to other clients and ask them how things went.

(back to top)

---

Why is construction so dirty?
Out of dirt comes beauty. I know that is hard to believe but that's how it works. In any project, protection and demolition is usually the first stage. It's a dirty stage and people just don't want to deal with that - that's why you have us to deal with that and keep the ball moving forward. The right contractor will protect the inside of your home, contain unaffected areas, and insulate them with fabric, plastic and carpets. That seems little but it is HUGE in how the client feels about the process. Clients don't want to and should not deal with dirt. A reputable contractor will clean after their work daily and leave the client with a home ready for living in.

Solution: Make sure your contractor explains to you what they are going to do to protect the unaffected areas of the house and how often they are going to clean. You can use cleaning as a carrot. Check on things and don't leave it to the workers. Even if the boss says something, you still need to check it. Insist on cleaning and always check references and talk to other clients.

(back to top)

---

Why don't contractors show up when they say they will?
Age old question that has several answers: If you pay the contractor too much upfront, they will not show up. Unfortunately most of the construction trades are not formally educated and don't really know how to handle budgeting and scheduling. Owners have to become project managers to make sure all is paid when it needs to be and the project moves forward. Unless you hire a general contractor that can handle all this, you will become the general. Not fun. If the contractor is not finished with a previous job and they need to get paid from that job, they will stay there until they finish and then start your job. By then your domino has gone to shreds and another one has to be built. Pick the right partner.

Solution: Don't pay for labor upfront. Most reputable contractors have the ability to support the job for the first week or so, then you can see progress and pay for it. It's okay to buy materials and have the contractor arrange for delivery, which can be your form of down payment.

(back to top)

---

Why don't contractors call you back?
Most good contractors will call you back. The ones that don't will not last in the business. Mostly it's because they don't have any good news to tell you or don't know what to tell you. This is mostly when there is a problem outside the scope that they can't handle or when they have made a mistake they are trying to hide. This is very annoying and can lead to deteriorating relationships with the owners. Pick the right person who has the courage to tell you the truth no matter what the problem is. Problems are common in this business, how to deal with them is not. Pick a solid partner, price is not usually the best way to tell the difference.

Solution: Check previous jobs and talk to references. Don't pay too much upfront.

(back to top)

---

What criteria should I look for?