FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

7 Things Your Home-Building Contractor Wishes You Knew

From thoughtful design to interacting with crew members, keep these pointers in mind for a better experience working with your contractor.

By David Crosby
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

As a contractor, some of the best business advice I ever received was, “Don’t look for the right job. You know how to do the work; that isn’t the problem. Look for the right client.” And it is equally important for clients to find a builder who is a good fit for them. A building project is partly about technical ability, but it’s also about relationship, and the more we understand the other person’s perspective, the more likely we are to achieve a mutually satisfactory result. In my more than 30 years of experience working in a variety of trades and with a lot of clients, these are the concepts and practices I’ve come to appreciate as vital to a good relationship with a home-building contractor and that I think every client should know.

1) Clients make better decisions when fully informed

The more clients know about how the best results are achieved, the more likely they are to be comfortable with the price and the outcome. Understanding process, roles, and responsibilities can create cooperation and synergy that tends not to exist in less-informed adversarial relationships. I want my clients to fully understand the contract, the construction process, and the importance of their participation for our mutual success, and to be able to recognize when and how they are receiving full value for their investment.

For example, “meets code” should not necessarily mean “good enough” to an informed client. Model codes describe a minimum acceptable standard, and in some cases, it makes sense to exceed code. In the case of wiring, there different techniques and materials and while one approach might require a faster installation or lower labor and product costs, this could mean expensive and inconvenient issues for the residents down the road. A little humidity, or just time and a larger load like a vacuum cleaner or a space heater could produce a smell of smoke and a broken circuit.

Did the homeowner know this was what they were buying in the first place? Would they have made that decision if fully informed?  I want my clients to know we don’t do that kind of work even if it does meet code. This applies to so many aspects of home building. A poorly built house is a depreciating asset, but a well-built house can be an appreciating investment. It costs a little more up front to detail the drip edge properly, waterproof the foundation thoroughly, install a robust drain system, and get the finished grade right, but it will save thousands of dollars in repairs and maybe even a mold remediation. I want my clients to get their money’s worth, and if a small additional cost in the beginning pays great dividends in the future, I want them to be able to make that decision. Homeowners certainly don’t need to be an expert in the materials we are working with—that’s our job. But they should ask questions: What are the materials made of? What is the projected service life of what has been chosen? What are the specific warranty conditions?

2) Candid and forthright communication is important throughout the project

The quality of the relationship between the client and the contractor will directly influence the quality of the project. There are some discussions between client and contractor that are essential to any construction project and some of them involve degrees of uncertainty, amounts of money, and levels of trust and relative power imbalance that most people don’t routinely encounter nor are they particularly comfortable with.

Professional relationships regularly work better from a position of clearly articulated mutual purpose, which depends upon candid, complete, and forthright communication and some shared knowledge. Some of these conversations can be challenging or even uncomfortable for some people, but we’re going to have them at some point in the job. I’d rather have them at the beginning of the job, and I want my clients to know that these essential conversations are always welcome and encouraged.

When we insist on crucial conversations being memorialized in writing (change orders, for example) we are not playing “gotcha.” We’re trying to preserve mutual understanding under potentially difficult circumstances.

3) Every dollar spent on thoughtful design produces more value down the road

It costs a lot less to find and fix mistakes or resolve spatial conflicts when they are still lines on paper or pixels on a screen. This means coordinating sheets so the framing actually does fit on the foundation, making sure the kitchen appliance doors don’t hit each other, checking that the stairs fit, and ensuring plumbing stacks aren’t in the flow line of roof drains. Thoughtful design also includes recognizing opportunities for savings in construction cost (rather than throwing all that lumber in the dumpster, let’s make the house 3 ft. longer in that dimension) and savings in maintenance cost (if we put the water heater on the ground floor rather than in the attic, it’s going to be a lot easier to service).

Good design is also one of the best tools we have to control schedules and overhead, which are essential to a well-run job. I encourage my clients to take the time to procure good design because it’s a reliable way to maximize long-term customer satisfaction, minimize waste, and achieve great efficiency.

4) Contractors need to stick to a schedule

Contractors who do not make at least some profit tend to disappear; contractors who do not control their overhead tend to disappear even faster. As a client, you don’t want the contractor going under on your job.

The common factor to these considerations is schedule—the more efficiently and effectively we can work, the more value we can deliver to all parties concerned at a given price. If we do not control our schedule, we put all parties at risk.

There’s no reason to expect a client to understand all the economics of a building company, so I often take some time to explain that if I have an excavation sub scheduled, I also have a plumber scheduled to follow. The plumber has a certain amount of time allocated before they need to go to their next job. Behind the plumber is a concrete sub who has also fit me into their schedule. Nobody is sitting around doing nothing waiting for my call—everyone is balancing different projects and needs at the same time. This coordination, and all subsequent activities, are based upon project documents, which turn into a plan, which turn into a schedule.

A client can disrupt these arrangements if they want to make changes outside of the agreed-upon work and schedule. For example, if a client decides to move the location of a bathroom after the plumbing rough-in has been completed and back-filled, it isn’t going to be a matter of just bringing the excavation sub back and paying the plumber for some plastic if it knocks my concrete sub off the schedule. If the sub goes to the next job instead or sends me half a crew because they need to start another job on time, it can set off a ripple effect and I could have a problem with my painter and roofer even though the walls aren’t yet up.

It costs money to pause a portion of a job: a general contractor’s payroll and overhead still exist, and taking time away from production in the calendar year can diminish the profitability and viability of a company. I want my clients to understand the importance of schedule and I want them to share an appropriate sense of urgency about it.

5) Clients should not supply materials …

If there is something special a client would like incorporated into a project such as souvenirs from a family vacation as part of a glass block wall or wood from a great-grandparent’s house as part of the kitchen, they should say so in advance. We will usually be happy to do this if we are allowed to plan ahead and charge accordingly. Clients should not show up with plumbing fittings from the home center thinking they will save money because they are cheaper than what we buy at the supply house. This is potentially much worse than walking into a restaurant with your own eggs and asking for a discount on breakfast.

6) … or cookies

This has been a running joke with my crew: When the clients bring us cookies, we know something is wrong and trouble will follow. Some of us might look a little rough, but we’re professionals. We don’t want anything extra, and while we might be courteous, polite, and respectful, your home is our temporary workplace—we are here to fulfill the terms of our agreement and we want you to do the same.

7) Clients should only communicate with the general contractor

At worst, entering into separate agreements or inappropriate communication with a contractor’s employees or subcontractors is bad form, but most clients know this, and it isn’t usually a problem. More commonly, a seemingly innocuous comment or request can result in misunderstandings or can produce unintended consequences that can become quite serious. I want my clients to understand that every orchestra needs a conductor, and I am it. This means that other than polite acknowledgments like “good morning,” the client should only be engaging in conversation with the contractor. I make sure subs and employees know this as well.

This isn’t about keeping information from the client, it’s about clarity and organization. Nearly all of the tradespeople I’ve ever worked with are all too eager to do a great job and make the clients happy. What seems to the client like a simple request and might be something a tradesperson is happy to do could have serious and potentially severe unintended consequences for the course of the job. Keeping the lines of communication well-defined is in everyone’s interest.

Illustration by Arthur Mount


RELATED STORIES

  • What Is “Good Enough” Trim Carpentry?
  • The Anatomy of a Building Project’s Price
  • 10 Provisions for a Construction Contract

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

A Field Guide to American Houses

If you want to plan, design, or remodel based on the vast tradition of American architectural styles you first have to understand their history, geography, architectural significance, and relationship to one another. This book can help with that.
Buy at Amazon

Code Check 10th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to Building a Safe House

It would be great if this book didn’t need to exist, but it's definitely a must-have. It's a one-size-fits-all code book that's easy to understand and will help you sail through your inspections.
Buy at Amazon

A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It?: An Introduction to Building Science

Allison Bailes is great at explaining complex building science topics in simple terms that anyone can understand. If your goal is a new house or remodel that embodies the best practices that building scientists have to offer, buy this book right away.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Tall Deck on a Sloped Lot

When deck posts exceed what the prescriptive code tables allow, it's time to consult a structural engineer for post sizing and possible bracing.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Beat the Heat: Cool Innovations
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Designing and Building an Efficient Slab-On-Grade Home
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Do You Need HVAC Ducts in Every Room?

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Building a Detached Shop with Full Utilities and HVAC
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Tips on Building a Career in Construction
  • Podcast 619 Members-only Aftershow —Ian’s Tips for Construction Budgets
  • Podcast 609: Members-only Aftershow — Building Business With Timber HP President Matt O’Malia
View All

Business

View All Business Articles
  • Pros of Apprenticeship Programs
  • Hiring Entry-Level Employees
  • Networking Happy Hour at JLC LIVE, Friday, March 28, 3PM-5PM at Booth 727
View All Business Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

This is your last free article.

Don't miss another expert tip or technique from building pros. Start your free trial today.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data