In working with your remodeling or flooring contractor on your next project, utilize these tips to help you communicate clearly your expectations in hopes of avoiding any unexpected complications. Sometimes a contractor might not be the best at communicating the scope of a project in a manner that is easily digestible to the average homeowner with little construction knowledge. These contractor translation tips should help you get the most out of your contractor / client relationship.

"Lets discuss some value engineering". Usually if you here a statement like that is that your expectations exceed your budget. A lot of homeowners see shows on HGTV or DIY and want the latest designs and materials, but their budget is not that of multi-million dollar tv company. In this instance the contractor wants to sit down with you to see if there is a way to make some changes to help you achieve as close to your design as possible on the same budget.

"I'll get started late next week". If your general contractor sets a start date, he often should be able to maintain it. But many times the tradesmen (plumbers, electricians, etc.) juggle several jobs at once and often have to deal with unexpected emergencies. You should expect them only to come close to their start and completion estimates. Don't be upset if he said he would start on Monday, and had to push it back to Tuesday. 

Here is a great article that goes into more in-depth of some other very useful tips in communicating effectively with your home improvement professional, whether he/she be a remodeling or flooring contractor:

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4681634/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u175&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery5

Brian Heltzel

The Floor Barn

Burleson, TX

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Contractor Tips: What Your Contractor Really Means
Translate your contractor’s lingo to get the communication on your home project right

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