No matter how hard you work at selecting the right contractor to handle your project, there is always the chance that you will run into problems. In some cases, the contractor may even become hostile or belligerent. Obviously, you should not have to deal with a contractor who does not have your best interest at heart or who is unwilling to listen to your directives. If you find yourself dealing with a hostile contractor, here are a few tips to better deal with the issue.
Tip #1: Try a New Approach
If you feel the contractor you are currently working with has become hostile toward you, you may find a change in attitude if you try a new approach. After all, you may have inadvertently done something or said something to offend the contractor or to get off on the wrong foot. By sitting down with the contractor and having an open and honest conversation, you may be able to get things back on the right track.
Tip #2: Talk to the Supervisor
Depending on how the contractor’s company is organized, there may be a supervisor that you can contact in order to voice your concerns. If so, set up a meeting with the supervisor and discuss your specific concerns. Be sure to provide concrete reasons for why you are unsatisfied with the contractor who is working on your project without coming off as accusatory.
Tip #3: Document the Specifics
Whether the contractor has a supervisor or not, you should document the details surrounding the problems you are having with the contractor. If the contractor made a rude comment toward you or if the contractor refused to do what you asked, be sure to document the specifics surrounding the situation. The same is true if the contractor fails to stay on schedule, uses inferior materials or otherwise fails to work up to your expectations.
Tip #4: Contact the Better Business Bureau
If things are really becoming problematic and you can’t seem to work it out with the contractor or with his supervisor, you may need to take things to the next level. While some construction contracts include an arbitration clause that will prevent you from being able to take the contractor to court, you can still pursue arbitration or you can request a hearing with the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau offers remediation services, which are typically available for free or at a very low cost. The contractor does not have to be a member of the Better Business Bureau in order to use this service, but he does have to agree to the mediation.
While there are no guarantees when it comes to hiring a contractor, we are confident you will find that we have the best contractors in your area. Since all of our contractors are pre-screened and well-established in the business, you can be relatively certain you will enjoy a positive experience with whichever contractor you choose to hire. Give us a try, you will be glad you did!
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