Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment Durability Creativity Organized Flexible Trust Cost Partnership Advocacy Communication Skill Knowledge Experience Relationship Environment
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS!
TRUST There are many anxieties homeowners have about their project and Trust is a really big one. Unfortunately there are plenty of stories (fictional and true) about contractors betraying trust. It is sad for most contractors because most of the ones we know have
CAN I SEE SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK?
Do you have policies around smoking?
How long have you been doing this work and what have you learned over the years? Will there be subcontractors in my home while nobody else is? If so can I meet them and get references from them?
How will you be managing the mess that comes with a project?
very good intentions and are highly trustworthy people. How do you evaluate whether you can trust a contractor?
Do you have insurances and can you provide certificates. See more on insurances below.
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What is your plan for keeping my home secure while I am away and you are working in it?
DESCRIBE YOUR CREW? What is their background and experience levels?
WHAT IS YOUR BILLING PROCESS?
Can you provide me with references? What would they say about your strengths and weaknesses? If they are able to answer all of these questions with well considered answers, they are likely Professionals who understand the importance of building trust. 3
WHILE MEETING WITH A POTENTIAL CONTRACTOR YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBSERVE AND THINK ABOUT MANY THINGS…
They’re listening to you, asking good questions, proposing ways they can help. Then they should share about how they work.
Trust is a multi-faceted thing... IT IS HARD TO BUILD AND IS EASILY LOST.
Are they listening to you? Are they engaged with you? Are they realistic and comprehensive?
Your felt sense of this will inform whether you can trust the relationship enough to move forward.
Look for how they are bringing value to the relationship. How do they communicate with you and with each other? Are they wanting to help solve your problems and achieve your goals? Are you the focal point of the meeting or are they the focal point of the meeting If you have thoughts on this topic feel free to share them with us at info@lewiscreekcompany.com. 4
COST On competitive bids, the “winning” bidder is often either the poorest estimator, the most desperate for work or the one who makes the biggest mistakes. Usually nobody wins by selecting the low bidder. A good construction company knows that a project should be delivered with the best balance between cost and value. Low initial estimates DO NOT mean that the project will cost less than the other contractors you are considering. Our industry is full of promises for work that, in the end, goes over budget and under expectations. Has this candidate made a great effort to build detailed and realistic budgets at the risk of appearing more expensive than competitors? Have they considered and anticipated the potential surprises that could come up on your project. Have they impressed you with their ability to anticipate unseen issues that might come up during the course of the project? Are they “aiming” too high, too low, just right? Ask them about this and ask their references about this. 5
We have no doubt that you will find builders who will tell you that they can do the project for less. Here is how they can appear to do a project for less.
another cost consideration
THE TEAM!
What kind of workers do they have on their crew? Do they have “TALKERS” on their crew or do they have “WORKERS” on their crew?
Some companies will under-estimate true costs either through unbridled optimism, innocent, poor planning or, in some cases, consciously. If they find they have underestimated they may try to make it all up through excessive markups on every change order you make or by simply saying “it took longer than they thought it would”. Sometimes a builder will “low ball” a bid or estimate in order to win your project. While they may have intended no harm, there may well be a cost to your sanity and happiness.
A TRUE STORY Several years ago we bid on a project and lost it because our estimate was higher. We estimated the cost would be 72K. Our competitor said they could do it for 50K. The client paid 75K in the end with a surprise invoice for the total overage of 25K at the end of the project and there was little the client could do. The client was furious. The following year they hired us for a major renovation without consideration of others because they said we were realistic, clear and completely honest with them. It was a great project, they were informed of the evolution of the project at every step and the project finished on-time and on-budget.
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OR ASK TO MEET THE CREW Typically in the construction trades there are what are known as “talkers” and “workers” Talkers are extremely personable but they probably spend too much time talking. Workers may appear reserved and focused. Their eye is on getting the job done as efficiently (not quickly) as possible. Efficiency means that they might need to slow down to do something properly. Talkers can be somewhat distracted and prone to mistakes which in the end will likely cost you more. Much of the work trades-people engage in requires quite a lot of focus and a team that demonstrates this focus is one that is providing the best value for you. This is a live document and we wish you to add thoughtful information which might be valuable to others. Send your thoughts to info@lewiscreek comapany.com. 7
consider these two images...
PARTNERSHIP
You should feel like you are in the driver’s seat when making the decisions.
These two people are working in opposition to each other.
ASK YOURSELF
Does the Contractor partner with
The job of the contractor is to give you the options, the implications of
the highest quality trades-people
each choice and their recommendations without being heavy handed.
from the Electrical, Painting,
Then, when your make your decisions, it becomes their job to make
Plumbing, Roofing, Heating and
them happen.
Ventilation community? Do the contractor’s subcontractors continually demonstrate the values you are seeing from the contractor?
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These two people are working together to accomplish the same goal.
This is the image of partnership you want to be looking for with your contractor. To what extent will they facilitate your success? Ask them for examples of how they have done this in the past.
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ADVOCACY Will their focus be on getting you the best possible service and products? Be sure they will advocate for the materials and methods that fit with your goals. To the extent that this is relevant to you will they guide you in selecting “Green” materials and “Healthy” building practices?
COMMUNICATION Communication is the cornerstone of a successful project. Absence of it results in conflict, confusion and frustration. What scaffolding of communication does this contractor use to ensure that we have the best communication possible with the lowest chance for mis-communication?
Among the various contractors you are considering which will be your fiercest advocate? Which will bring all the necessary resources to bear on a project which will likely be far more complex than you expect?
Intent
The project will have questions and challenges with scheduling, costs, resource availability and many other elements. From renewable energy, to building a home that uses the fewest natural resources, do they have the training, certifications, and the field-experience to make your house
Budget Sharing
Accessibility
Document Sharing
as “Green” as you wish? Transparency 10
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Building your home is a rare and life changing process. It should be experienced and remembered as a positive and enriching time. What ways do I see evidence that this contractor is going to communicate well with me?
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT THEY ARE GOOD COMMUNICATORS?
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here are some questions to keep in mind during this step . . . SKILL EXPERTISE KNOWLEDGE
To what extent will they be able to provide choices from among thousands that represent the best fit and value for your goals? How long have they been working in this trade?
SKILL, EXPERTISE, KNOWLEDGE
Where do they excel in their work?
Where does their work need improvement?
To what extent do they hold the virtues of integrity and craft in high esteem? You will want to pour over their website, their portfolio to see if their work resonates with the quality of work you are seeking. Their skill will be self evident if you can arrange a site visit to one of their projects that is underway. If you can meet with their team in the
Will they be able to put their technical terms into language that I can understand?
field and see them at work as well as see examples of their finished work you will have done a very thorough job of understanding their skill, expertise and knowledge.
Is their team well trained in both science and real-world experience? Will they be able to explain what they’re doing, and why they are doing it?
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t u o b a s g n i h t t ‌ n p i a h t r s o n p o i t a l e r l m o s t ci m u f s s ? r e e h c t o h u c a s e ith a municating w
RELATIONSHIP
t com a e w e r a d How goo y? r t s i m e h c e s th i d o t? o n a g w w I t o a H h w d ng an i y a s m a I t wha t e g y e h t Do mor? u h f o e s n e as e v a h y e h t Do i? m a e l b a t r o How comf ase? e t a l e e f I r do o e s n e t l Do I fee
Relationship is a key ingredient in having a successful project. To what extent do you experience your contractor caring about you? about your project? your goals? your family? There are many components that make up a good relationship. You have ones that are important to you specifically. It would be worth taking time to list the most important things about a successful relationship between two people.
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pr Is cap o a
There are always costs and rewards when it comes to choosing green products and services. What you want to know is whether this contractor . . .
ro v i d i n g y of p ou e wit l b h U ber e c i s v r i f e s y G re e n o u wan & s t t t h em c du
costs as we ll a g st n i iv g f Is capable o ayback projecti o p m r ns long te in ve st i ng in g re en. the u o y
he
NOT VERY GREEN AT ALL TO UBER GREEN
wh Is fl exib l e
gh to resonate with u o n you as y ee ou f h t igure out i s n s o p e e ctrum liv u . All customers yo e . r ot p s e am s e on th n i the t spectrum, but no
live
GREEN BUILDING LIVES ON A SPECTRUM FROM
on
ENVIRONMENT AND DURABILITY
You want a partner who will work with where you are and be your partner in moving the needle of environmental sustainability in the direction that is realistic for you.
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Contractors spend most of their time building boxes. Yet those boxes are always complex systems. The parts of the box are put together in slightly different ways with different impacts for every house we work in. The problems and challenges that present themselves with any given box requires a whole lot of “out of the box” thinking.
CREATIVITY
The most creative partner you can have is a contractor who has a passion for identifying the problems that go together and coming up with a creative solution that doesn’t just solve one problem but a solution that solves as many problems as possible with one single solution. Look for this creative passion. Do they get excited about problem solving? Have they given you any reason to say “Ah Ha!!!!” as you describe the
The boxes we build are complex systems with many moving parts. When one part is changed, the impact on the whole system can be dramatic.
problems you are having. If they do then they are likely creative types. Do they take a holistic approach to solving problems?
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Does the contractor see your house as an integrated system?
Are all the negative and positive implications considered?
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There will be many things that come up in the course of a project that will require flexibility. To what extent is the contractor able to accommodate changes and to turn difficult situations into opportunities for you. Once you meet them make sure they themselves seem organized and flexible and most importantly make sure this flows through their organization. You will learn about this when you visit them in the field.
ORGANIZED AND FLEXIBLE Does your contractor have the ability to be flexible in service to you? Projects can have many twists and turns. Some will be expected, some won’t. Their level of organization should be fairly apparent to you. Are they on time? Do they take notes? In the past we have learned that subcontractors who dont show up with a notebook and write things down are going to most certainly miss things we discussed and this always has a negative impact on the project. Does the contractor have a comprehensive sales package with references, sample estimates, sample agreements etc? How does their website look? Is it organized and flexible? These are all observations you can make before you even call the contractor.
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APPENDIX
Builder Evaluation Form Your best partner blends the best mix of the 10 elements below. Your best partner is never the least expensive. The least expensive partner ends up costing your more money time and energy in the end. Use this tool to find out who will give you the very best value. Use this tool to help you evaluate your prospects. Fill one out for each candidate then after a little break go back and read your evaluation. It will help you focus your decision making process.
We invite you to use the attached Contractor Evaluation Form on your search for the right contractor.
Candidate Name:_________________________________ 1) Trust (what evidence is there that you can trust this candidate with your home and your resources?) ⃝ Excellent
⃝ Very Good
⃝ Good
⃝ Needs Work
⃝ Poor
⃝ Needs Work
⃝ Poor
Comments:
2) Cost (How effectively can this candidate deliver the best value?) ⃝ Excellent
⃝ Very Good
⃝ Good
Comments:
3) Partnership (will this candidate be an authentic and supportive partner through the ups and downs of a project?) ⃝ Excellent
⃝ Very Good
⃝ Good
⃝ Needs Work
⃝ Poor
Comments:
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4) Advocacy (will this candidate advocate for you at every turn with suppliers, subs and all the players that are engaged in a project?) ⃝ Excellent
⃝ Very Good
⃝ Good
⃝ Needs Work
⃝ Poor
Comments: 5) Communication (how effective are you and this candidate able to communicate?) ⃝ Excellent
⃝ Very Good
⃝ Good
⃝ Needs Work
⃝ Poor
Comments:
9) Creativity (is candidate creative, not only aesthetically, but in coming up with creative solutions to challenges?) ⃝ Excellent
⃝ Very Good
⃝ Good
⃝ Needs Work
⃝ Poor
Comments:
10) Organized AND Flexible (Does candidate blend excellent organization with flexibility when change happens?) ⃝ Excellent
⃝ Very Good
⃝ Good
⃝ Needs Work
⃝ Poor
Comments:
6) Skill, Knowledge and Experience (how effective is this candidate in making your job happen? To what extent will they be able to provide choices from among thousands that represent the best match and value for your goals?) ⃝ Excellent
⃝ Very Good
⃝ Good
⃝ Needs Work
⃝ Poor
Comments:
7) Relationship (how do you feel about your potential relationship with this candidate?) ⃝ Excellent
⃝ Very Good
⃝ Good
⃝ Needs Work
⃝ Poor
Comments: 8) Environment and Durability: (how well will candidate balance consideration for the environment, durability of products and cost to give you the best mix that fits ALL your goals?) ⃝ Excellent
⃝ Very Good
⃝ Good
⃝ Needs Work
⃝ Poor
Comments:
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