Ask Angi: What Are Some Tips for Working With Pros?

Communication is key to a successful project. So when you start, make sure you and your pro are on the same page about how you’ll communicate, whether in person each morning, texting, emailing, or a phone call. Yuri Arcurs/Dreamstime/TNS

By Angie Hicks From Ask Angi

Are you taking on any home projects soon? Your relationship with your contractors can make or break your project. A miscommunication between you and your pro could lead to disaster.

Here are some best practices for communicating with pros.

Establish Your Methods Early

Communication is key to a successful project. So when you start, make sure you and your pro are on the same page about how you’ll communicate, whether in person each morning, texting, emailing or a phone call. With more communication options than ever, many people have different preferences. If you want your contractor to follow specific rules, such as texting first rather than calling, make sure you talk about that early on.

You can take this time to work out ways you can make their job easier, such as making sure certain parts of the yard are available for vehicles or material storage during the job.

In particular, make sure you agree on how to handle change orders that arise during the job. Change orders will impact both the work and the final cost, so it’s important to have a clear process.

Understand Your Job

If you’re working on a larger project like a remodel, it’s important to understand the scope of the project. Do a little research to learn more about the steps involved in your project to ensure you and your pro have the same vision. The professional has the expertise to get it done, but the more you understand the process, the better decisions you’ll make. There are a lot of decisions early on that are very easy to change up front, but get much harder to change as the project progresses. The more you both understand your goals and what you hope to accomplish with the remodel, the greater your chances of success.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about what’s going on, especially if you don’t understand something.

Be Honest With Each Other

The last thing anyone wants during a big project is a surprise, especially if it comes from something that should have been said earlier. Be clear with your pro about your budget. Your pro can actually help you stay on budget if you’re honest about what it is right from the start. For example, they might be able to suggest alternate methods or different materials if part of the project looks like it might go over budget.

You should also be open with your timeline. Don’t assume your pro will work on a specific timeline unless you discuss it beforehand. Think of yourself and your pro as a partnership moving toward the same goal.

Be sure you’re getting everything in writing. Make sure you know the timeline, how payments are going to be handled and materials involved. And if you’re someone who likes to talk on the phone with your contractor, be sure you follow up in writing so you’re both clear on expectations.

Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column. Copyright 2024 Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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