You can see it in their eyes. The excitement of purchasing their first home, and the expectation of good memories to be made. It’s easy for first-time homeowners to get caught up in the excitement and become frustrated with the building or remodeling process. Help them navigate new territory by using these four contractor tips on working with first-time homeowners.
Manage Expectations
Whether it’s new construction or remodeling an existing home, there’s a lot of work to be done. Before a single nail is hammered, it’s important to sit down with the homeowners to discuss how the project will play out.
Many first-time home owners are so anxious to begin moving in and setting up their new home that they don’t realize that it may not be possible right away. For new construction, it may be about when flooring can be installed. If it’s a remodel, it may be an HVAC repair that needs to take place before they can get settled.
Provide them with a realistic timeframe that they can refer to for their own planning purposes. Be sure they understand that there’s the possibility of delays, but that you will notify them as soon as anything comes up.
Detailed Contract
From the start, it’s important that you communicate your specific plans on how you’ll complete the project with a homeowner. Firmly, but gently, insist on a clear action plan that everyone agrees on from the outset.
If you have clients who tend to be indecisive, this detailed contract can be very helpful. With all of the specifics spelled out ahead of time, it will allow you to insist on formal requests for changes. This will keep your project on track and ensure the homeowners know exactly what to expect.
Expect the Unexpected
The majority of projects will not get to completion without at least one small detour. Any home project, whether new construction or a remodel, can present unforeseen circumstances that must be dealt with.
Be sure that the homeowners understand that it’s possible for issues to arise that are completely out of your control. In a remodel, you could discover old electrical wiring that isn’t up to code and has to be remedied. Or in new construction, the custom countertops they chose are now on backorder for another three weeks, delaying progress of other aspects of the build. As soon as these types of situations come up, make sure you address it with the homeowners immediately.
Communication with First-Time Homeowners
Put the homeowners’ minds at ease by staying in constant communication with them. You don’t have to call or text them three times per day, but it’s important to establish a consistent schedule of communication. Maybe it’s a weekly update with calls only when an issue arises. By establishing consistent communication, this can also help eliminate interruptions while you’re on the job site. Instead of multiple calls throughout the day, concerns are addressed during your regularly scheduled updates.
While you’re using these tips on working with first-time homeowners, give the new homeowners more peace of mind about their home project by offering contractor financing through HFS Financial. Let HFS Financial pair them with the right loan for their home project. Partner with us today by calling 1-800-254-9560. “You Dream It, We Finance It.”