DIY Fail! Now What?

Almost everyone who has attempted a do-it-yourself (DIY) project has experienced failure to one extent or another. Some of these failures are serious enough to warrant hiring a professional to finish the job. If this is you, don’t be embarrassed! Hiring a professional contractor is a smart decision. They have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to turn any DIY mistake from a fail into fabulous. Here are three important pieces of information you should know about hiring a professional.

Don’t let this happen to you!

Figure Out What You Want

Before hiring a professional, you have to figure out exactly what you want to get done. You don’t want to waste any time trying to figure out what you want after the professional gets there. Create a budget and assess your expectations. This will help you know what kind of a contractor you need, and what your price range is. After you figure out what you want, make sure you let the person you hire have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for so that your expectations can be met.

Bring in the professionals to get the look you’re after without the DIY mistakes.

Find the Right One for the Job

After you have figured out what you want and need in a contractor, it’s time to start searching for the right one for your job. Not all contractors are created equal! It’s important to do your research before choosing a contractor. Look for a contractor with extensive experience and good reviews. You should also find one willing to work within your budget. Directory websites like HomeAdvisor help you find professionals in your area who have been reviewed by real customers.

Interview several contractors and get quotes from them. An interview can help you get a sense of your contractor. Take note of their general attitude—can you speak freely around them? Are they a good listener? Are they distracted or dismissive during your meeting? How they interact with you is just as important as their references and credentials.

Communicate Clearly

Communication is key to every relationship! The working relationship with your professional contractor is no different. When you establish a pattern of clear, honest communication will help each other understand each other’s expectations and prevent possible mistakes or disasters. One essential tool that will greatly enhance the quality of your communication is a written contract. Keeping your agreement set in writing will allow you to have a document that outlines your expectations in case of a misunderstanding. After you’ve chosen a contractor, make sure to check in with them regularly as the work progresses.

You can greatly increase your chances of having a positive experience with your contractor by: 1) clearly defining what you want, 2) finding the right contractor for the job, and 3) communicating clearly. Follow these suggestions and you’ll be able to save yourself time, money, and energy.


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