What should you not say to a contractor?

When interacting with a contractor, it's crucial to avoid certain statements that could undermine your negotiating position, inflate costs, or lead to less favorable outcomes.

What Should You Not Say to a Contractor?

To ensure you get the best value and control over your project, you should avoid revealing sensitive information or making statements that limit your leverage. Key things to never say include:

• "You're the only one bidding on the job."
• "This is my budget."
• "Can I get a discount if I pay upfront?"
• "I'm not in a hurry."
• "You can choose the materials."

Understanding why these statements are problematic will help you navigate your contractor interactions more effectively.

Detailed Insights on What to Avoid

Here’s a breakdown of phrases and sentiments to keep to yourself when discussing your project with a contractor:

1. "You're the Only One Bidding on the Job"

This statement immediately removes any competitive pressure. When a contractor knows they are the sole contender, they have no incentive to offer their best price or terms.

• Why it's harmful: It allows the contractor to provide a higher bid without fear of being undercut by competitors.
• Instead, do this: Always solicit multiple bids (at least three) to compare pricing, scope of work, and contractor qualifications. This fosters competition and gives you a benchmark for fair pricing.

2. "This is My Budget" or "My Budget is X"

While it might seem helpful to share your budget, doing so can backfire. Contractors might tailor their bid to meet your disclosed budget, even if the actual cost could be lower or if the quality of materials/work is compromised to fit that number.

• Why it's harmful:
  • Inflated bids: They might price their services just under or exactly at your budget, regardless of the true cost.
  • Limited options: They might not suggest more cost-effective solutions if they know you have a higher budget to spend.
• Instead, do this:
  • Clearly define your project scope and expectations.
  • Ask contractors for their best bid based on your detailed project requirements, rather than starting with a budget figure.
  • Request an itemized quote to understand cost breakdowns.

3. "Can I Get a Discount if I Pay Upfront?"

Offering to pay for services upfront often signals desperation or a lack of understanding of standard payment schedules. Contractors typically operate on a progress payment schedule, meaning they receive payments at agreed-upon milestones.

• Why it's harmful:
  • Red flag for contractors: It might suggest you're overly eager, potentially leading them to question your judgment or try to take advantage.
  • Loss of leverage: You lose significant leverage if you pay too much before work is completed to your satisfaction. If issues arise, it becomes harder to withhold payment to ensure corrections.
• Instead, do this: Adhere to standard payment schedules (e.g., deposit, progress payments at specific milestones, final payment upon completion and your satisfaction). This protects both you and the contractor.

4. "I'm Not in a Hurry" or "Take Your Time"

While you shouldn't rush a contractor, expressing that you have no time constraints can lead to your project being de-prioritized. Contractors often juggle multiple projects, and those with clear deadlines typically get more focused attention.

• Why it's harmful: Your project might be pushed to the back burner, leading to unnecessary delays and a prolonged construction period.
• Instead, do this:
  • Agree on a reasonable and firm project timeline with your contractor and include it in the contract.
  • Communicate your desired completion date and ask for their proposed schedule.
  • Express the importance of adhering to the agreed-upon timeline.

5. "You Can Choose the Materials"

Unless you have a long-standing, trusting relationship with a contractor and are explicitly deferring design decisions, allowing them to unilaterally choose materials can lead to unexpected costs, unsuitable aesthetics, or quality issues.

• Why it's harmful:
  • Cost escalation: Contractors might choose more expensive materials than necessary, or materials they get a higher markup on, increasing your overall cost.
  • Aesthetic mismatch: The chosen materials might not align with your vision or the overall design of your home.
  • Quality concerns: They might opt for lower-quality materials to maximize profit if you're not specific about your preferences.
• Instead, do this:
  • Be specific about your material preferences, quality standards, and desired aesthetics.
  • Research materials yourself and provide samples or links to what you want.
  • Ask for material allowances in the contract if you prefer to finalize choices later, but always stay involved in the selection process.

Summary of What Not to Say

To simplify, here's a table summarizing the key phrases to avoid:

By being mindful of these communication pitfalls, you can establish a more balanced and effective working relationship with your contractor, leading to a smoother project and better outcomes for your home improvement or construction needs.