This is a part of our job that I am sure many more experienced Stagers and Redesigners are used to but it has been a real learning experience for me being new to the business. There are so many things to consider when you are handling the details of a job for a client when specialized work is needed. As you handle all these details for your client, it makes their Staging/Redesign experience way less stressfull and this should definitely be one of your goals as a Professional. I thought I would share some tips on things to look out for when you are hiring a Contractor. If you are not fortunate enough to have a working relationship with a Contractor you trust, the screening process can be daunting.
First and foremost never hire anyone who does not have insurance and workers comp coverage. This is a biggy. I took it for granted that a Painter who I have worked with several times had coverage but found he had none. Many Contractors do not carry the necessary insurance to cover their workers should they become injured on the job.
What this means is you or your client could possibly become liable should someone become injured while working on the property. It's a chance you don't want to take. This information can be checked very easily by looking up the contractor's license number through your state's Contractors State License Board. When getting bids this is an important question to ask, cheaper may be cheaper for a reason not just quality of work. I recommend getting at least 3 bids.
To find a good contractor I like to go up to homes where I see work being done and talk directly to homeowners. It's a great way to source a Contractor if you do not know one for the particular kind of work you need. Ask friends who have had home improvements or renovations done. Those Contractors who are very visible advertising wise may not necessarily be the best. I am always looking subconciously when I am out and about, it is a compulsive habit! On exterior job sites, I always note what is laying around, what does the job site look like? Your client won't want trash around and won't appreciate tripping over tools and such in non work areas. Who you hire reflects on your own business.
Some Contractors can be pretty unreliable when it comes to showing up on time and working a full day. I recommend laying out strict but reasonable expectations up front and tie full payment to agreements to those expectations in writing. Never allow your client to pay more than 10% to 20% up front. If it is a big project, additional "draws" can be made as each portion of work is complete. Most reputable contractors are ok with this and it is an insentive for them to complete the work in a timely manner.
As a Stager/Redesigner I can say when you find a Contractor who meets these requirements and does quality work YOU HAVE STRUCK GOLD!
At the moment I just try to keep a list of people to recommend and then it is up to the homeowner to contact them. I think it is a great to provide as part of your service package but still waiting to find the right company to work with.
Sandra, Building that list has been the challenge for me! I need a do all family like Sue and Michelle's Feature This.
LOL. Yeah!
Great blog... one of our best leads on staging jobs are contractors! We feed them jobs... because we don't do electrical or plumbing, or major stuff like moving walls. Our contractors recommend us when people are deciding color and flooring and all that. And it's hard to find good ones who are well-priced, but cultivating these relationships for us has been worth the effort. After all, it's our advice they are paying for, even if someone else does the a portion of the job.
We actively seek out and stroke these important people. And all your tips, Ana, are very very important! Thanks for sharing a very important aspect of being a stager... recommend quality craftsmen!
Sue
Ana, Thanks for the advice. As a newbie I pay attention to this type post. I haven't had to arrange for any contractors yet, but I'll remember your advice. Thanks
Ana, I have to say that I have been blessed with a very good general contractor. We went to school together. It makes my job so much easier.
Sue, you are right, contractors are a great source for staging jobs, I market to them also.
Your welcome Donna, I also enjoy your blog congrats on 10K!
Barbara, you are extremely fortunate to have such a great asset. Thanks for popping in!
Thanks for the star Karen!
Thanks for the star Sue!
This was an excellent post, maybe you would like to re post it again in many other groups that would benefit. Great advice. Thanks, magi
Thanks Magi, I will look at other groups to post it in. I never thought to do that, I still haven't explored reblogging either. No time anymore!
I need to read a blog on effective time management LOL
:) Ana
Ana,
We have a resource binder with flyers and cards of local business' that we recommend that our client may look through. It is up to them to contact the business they might want to work with. Great Post!