Home improvement projects are often easier said than done. For many homeowners, it’s more practical to hire a professional. Whether it be lawn care, a paint job, or a kitchen renovation, it’s important to develop a positive and professional relationship with whom you’ve hired. To ensure a positive experience, hire trusted professionals, maintain clear communication, and allow the experts to do their job.
Do Your Research
First and foremost, hire a professional or company you trust. Someone who is experienced and reputable can lessen your concerns surrounding the project. Gather recommendations from your friends and neighbors. If you like the look of your neighbors’ landscaping, ask if they would recommend their contractor. Feedback from other clients can improve confidence and validate the professional’s quality of service. Once you have narrowed down your options, call your top choices and ask for an estimate. While it’s important to consider price, pick the option that gives you the most confidence to get the job done.
Be Clear with Expectations
Although there is no single way to navigate the homeowner-professional relationship, it’s important to maintain strong communication throughout the entire process. Be clear with your expectations from the beginning of the project. Make sure the professional understands what you are looking for and you’re both on the same page in terms of result. Discuss the project’s plan, direction, and final outcome. This will save valuable time and prevent frustration from occurring later on in the project. Likewise, if you are less than happy with the state of the renovation, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns. Professionals want to provide you with the best result.
Check in Occasionally
Stay involved throughout the project by occasionally asking for updates. Ask the professional about the state of the project or to clarify its steps. You want to confirm the project is being completed to your standards. For projects lasting longer than a day, plan to speak with the experts at the start of each work day or at their convenience. With that being said, you don’t want your presence to impede on the workers’ progress. Keep your conversations short and to the point. Avoid lingering in the construction area after you check in. Not only does this slow progress and waste valuable time, but it can also cause the state of the project to suffer.
Make Accommodations
Create an environment that is free of distractions and inconveniences. This will allow the professional to get the best possible job done. Give them ample space to work and keep interferences to a minimum. Before the project begins, remove any hazardous or delicate items from the area. To lessen distractions and increase safety, keep pets away from the work area. Further, check if any accommodations can be made to improve the efficiency of the job. Prop doorways open or allow them access to your driveway if it assists with convenience and accessibility.
Leave it to the Experts
While it is valuable to have knowledge about the task at hand, remember who the professional is. There is a difference between being informed and being a distraction. The professionals know what they are doing and have done this before. Ultimately, if you did your research, there shouldn’t be too much worry regarding the workers’ ability to perform the job. It’s fine to be hands-on and aware of the professionals’ progress, but try not to interfere while they are working. Wait until the end of the day to confirm the project’s quality and improvement. If you have questions, bring them up at the start of the next work day or set aside a time that works best for the professional. Your concern may be something already on the to-do list, so matching the professional’s schedule may help avoid unnecessary conversations. Lastly, remember to be considerate of professionals and their time when voicing questions and concerns.
Navigating a professional project can be nerve-wracking. For the best project experience, form a constructive relationship with the professional. By providing clear expectations, occasionally checking in, and giving them enough space to work, a trained expert can complete the project to your expectations. 
Kate Bernicke
Home & Yard Magazine
