The Truth About Having Contractors in Your Home: It's Complicated, and That's OK

I want to talk about something we don't discuss enough in our industry – how it feels to have contractors in your home.

Your home isn't just a house. It's where your kids do their homework, where you enjoy Sunday morning coffee, where you unwind after a long day. It's your sanctuary.

And let's be honest – having contractors there changes that feeling. Even with the best team, it's an adjustment. As a homeowner myself, I get it.

Even with the most seasoned, professional contractor, home improvements and repairs are inherently inconvenient. Understanding this reality is the first step toward a better experience.

Acknowledging the Elephant in the Room

Your home is your sanctuary, and having it transformed into a construction zone is stressful. There will be noise. Your routine will be disrupted. Your privacy will feel compromised. These aren't just minor inconveniences – they're legitimate concerns that deserve acknowledgment.

The Perfect Contractor…

If only finding the "perfect contractor" will eliminate all of our anxieties. While choosing the right contractor is crucial, even the best can't completely eliminate the inherent disruptions of home improvement projects. What they can do is:

• Serve you how you want to be served.

• Create clear expectations about timelines, daily work schedules, and potential challenges, helping you mentally prepare for the experience rather than being blindsided by surprises.

• Establish open and honest communication channels and regular check-ins, ensuring you never feel left in the dark and are always aware of what is happening in your home and the next steps. 

• Demonstrate respect for your space through simple but meaningful actions like protecting furniture, having a dust control plan, wearing boot covers, and cleaning up thoroughly at the end of each day.

Building Trust Through Transparency

The most trustworthy contractors aren't the ones who promise a perfectly smooth experience – they're the ones who are honest about the challenges while showing how they'll help you navigate them. Look for contractors who:

• Have a clear process, starting with the sales process all the way to how they close out the job. 

• Provide detailed, written proposals

• Share references freely and encourage you to contact their previous clients

• Maintain appropriate licensing, insurance, and certifications for their work

The Human Element

Will Guidara says “The best service experiences aren't about perfection – they're about genuine human connection and care”  A great contractor understands this by:

• Taking time to learn about your family's specific needs and concerns

• Adapting their work schedule to accommodate your important daily routines when possible

• Introducing you to all team members who will be working in your home

• Showing genuine enthusiasm for helping you achieve your vision

• Looking for ways throughout the project to make things easier and more enjoyable for you

Making Peace with the Process

Instead of hoping for a perfectly smooth experience, focus on finding a contractor who will be a genuine partner in navigating the inevitable challenges. The right professional will:

• Validate your concerns rather than dismissing them

• Proactively solve problems before they escalate

• Keep you informed about progress and setbacks alike

• Show genuine care for your home and family throughout the project

The Silver Lining

While having contractors in your home will never be entirely convenient, the right approach can make it significantly more bearable. By acknowledging the challenges upfront and focusing on building a trusting relationship with your contractor, you can shift your perspective from dreading the process to appreciating the transformation of your space.

Remember, at the end of the project, the disruption is temporary, but the improvements to your home will last for years to come. The key is not to seek the perfect experience, but to find a contractor who will treat your home with respect, your concerns with understanding, and your project with dedication.

What is the difference between an Estimate and a Proposal?

Estimates vs Proposals and why you need both!

By Greg DeSilva

An estimate is an educated guess of cost, while a proposal is a detailed contract with an exact cost. At first glance you might think “I definitely want a proposal then, what good is an estimate?” An estimate has its time and place and should never be skipped! It should always come first to save you time and aggravation as a home owner as well as for a contractor. When estimates are skipped, which happens often as most contractors offer “free estimates” and don’t realize they’re actually giving out proposals, it wastes everyone’s time if the contractor does not get that particular job. By getting/giving estimates you can see if your budget is in the same ball park of the estimated cost. For example: If a homeowner thinks a master bathroom can be done for $10,000 while most master bathrooms start at $30,000 today in our area, then that conversation should be a short over the phone educational conversation. It should not be a 1/2 hour drive to the home, 45 minutes in the home, 1/2 hour drive back to the office, 45 minutes drawing up a proposal/contract and sending it over just to find out the budget was 1/3 the actual cost. Also as a homeowner, researching contractors, calling a number of contractors, setting up times to be home to meet them, waiting for the appointment, waiting for the “proposal” etc. would be a waste of time and energy. When estimates and proposals are understood and used properly it benefits both parties.

How long will my bathroom remodel take?

A bathroom remodel can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. The size of the remodel will dictate the timeline.

Although the smallest room in the house, the bathroom can be a lengthy renovation due to the different trades involved that all require their own inspections. Electricians, carpenters, plumbers, tile setters, drywallers, painters etc…

Each task and trade can take a few days and then you have to account for inspections from your local inspector (some take longer than others). Also take into account that most contractors do not have in house electricians and plumbers on their payroll so there most likely will be schedule conflicts as well.

The process: Demo, framing, rough plumbing then inspection, rough electrical then inspection, framing inspection, insulation inspection, drywall/plaster, tub/shower/tile, painting, vanity install, mirrors and accessories, final plumbing, final electrical, then 3 final inspections.

Hiring a Bathroom remodeler!

When hiring, focus less on a start date and more on the deadline. This will make the project go much smoother in my experience by adding accountability. Ask about subcontractors and who will be in your home and how long they have been working together. Make sure to express any concerns you may have! For example, if dust is a problem for you and your family or you’re worried about someone letting the dog out by accident or your floors were just re-done and you want to make sure they are protected. These small things often get overlooked but are the most important. Bottom line is to find someone you can trust and get a long with. Any renovation can be a great experience if you choose the right people. Hire the person that’s a better listener than talker. Your wants and needs should be their main concern!

The Rich Peoples Tax

Written by Greg DeSilva

What is the “Rich Peoples Tax” ? Its when you call a contractor for lets say central air in your 1700 square foot house. You have the one unit installed for the price of X. A few years down the road you have done well financially, and now have been able to live in a much bigger home, lets say 6,000 square feet. This home has basically the same central air units as your previous home, but has 3 of them. So you call a contractor to come take a look. They come by and see your new range rover next to your wife’s or husband’s Mercedes in the the driveway, and check out the beautiful $6,000 square foot house you’ve worked so hard for. That same A/C unit now costs 10X, and you have 3 of them. That’s what I mean when I say “Rich People’s Tax”.

I have been judged in my life a time or two. Its not fun when you notice it, and frankly it is not right in my opinion. So, what good is this information? other than telling that things will cost you more now? Well, did you know some contractors are actually trustworthy… Some even put their pricing right on their websites to earn your trust and be transparent. Take the time to look for those that do, I can assure you, they are most likely the best to work with.