PICK YOUR CONTRACTOR 101

by Clay Cox

by Clay Cox
Owner/President • Kitchens by Clay

Ever heard “Knowledge is power”?

As a contractor I know that being an expert in our trade is very powerful and helps to ensure successful results. In other words, we must be knowledgeable.

In everything that we do we want to be sure our clients are comfortable and secure with our processes, decisions and expertise. We are fully aware that our clients are constantly in a decision-making mode. The options and choices are endless.

We are prepared to partner with them and offer our professional knowledge, so they can rest assured that we are the contractor they want to work with. We are strong believers of this. So strong, in fact, that we ask our clients about our knowledge on the surveys that we send out at the end of each job. We want to know if they retained their confidence in us and did they feel that they were in good hands and received the proper guidance until the very end of the project?

But how do you recognize that “knowledgeable” contractor? What are the right questions to ask? How will your expectations be met?

Our advice is to be as up front as possible and spend time to get to know your contractor. Be prepared to have a two-sided conversation that covers the project from start to finish. Tell them if you’ve been through the remodel process before or is it all new to you?

Let the contractor know how knowledgeable you are or aren’t for that matter. This will help them to “fill in the blanks” and better communicate with you.

On the flip side ask them about their experiences in the industry. Especially when it comes to remodels. Since no one has a crystal ball, experience means everything. After all, “what’s behind those walls?” is a very real question. A knowledgeable contractor will have the experience that should make it easy for you to pick him or her for your project.

So, ask yourself as you are shopping around if the person you are talking to is educating you throughout the discovery process. Is the level of experience and knowledge crystal clear? Are they willing to outline their company policies as to the how and tell you when they will finish your work before you sign a contract?

In our world of cabinets, we know that our experience and knowledge of design combined with the implementation of that design is one sure fire way to have a successful outcome.

If none of that seems to be working, then hire the person that your dog likes the best. I’ve heard that they can be a great judge of character.