Contractors are responsible for overseeing renovations, remodels, and other improvements to homes and other buildings. They may hire subcontractors (e.g., carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc.) to do all of the work, or they may do some work themselves— as long as they’re licensed.
Contracting work is a very serious job, since it involves construction on buildings and dwellings that will be occupied by people, it’s important that those hiring contractors know the qualities of a reliable contractor. It’s also just as important for contractors to make sure that they have all of the qualities of a reliable contractor. These four qualities are what potential clients look for when hiring and also recommending contractors.
#1: Excellent Communication Skills
Communication is an important skill to have in any type of business, especially if you provide services to a client. As a contractor, you have to be able to fully understand the needs of your clients, whether it’s a home renovation or the remodeling of an office building.
It’s also important to be a good listener and to be available to your clients during the duration of the project. Being able to effectively communicate and be attentive to your client’s needs makes you a reliable contractor. The good news is that even if you’re not the best communicator, you can develop this skill.
#2: A Passion for Their Work
Anytime someone is passionate about a project, they’re more likely to do their best work. If you’re not passionate about being a contractor, then you’re not likely to do your best work on your projects. Passionate contractors will treat the homes and commercial buildings they work on as if they were their own, meaning that they’ll put their best foot forward on every project they receive.
They want every project that they work on to turn out as good as it possibly can, and not just because they care about their reputation, but also because they want their clients to be satisfied. If this line of work is your passion, then you already have a quality that makes you a reliable contractor.
#3: Knowledge
The best communicators and the most passionate people aren’t necessarily the best for the job if they lack the knowledge to do the job properly. This trait goes without saying because all contractors must be licensed to work on a building or dwelling, and one cannot become licensed until they have completed coursework and/or proper training.
Some states may require contractors of all types to stay current with courses in electrical, plumbing, or another specification in order to continue working as a contractor/subcontractor. Not only do reliable contractors continue to educate themselves in their field, but they also ensure that their license is always up to date. Keep in mind that licensing requirements vary by state and also by city, so make sure that you’re qualified to do your work wherever you work.
#4: A Group of Reliable Contractors
As a general contractor, you’re only as reliable as your team. When hiring subcontractors to do the specialized jobs, you’ll want to make sure that they possess the same three qualities listed above. General contractors oversee the entire construction project, so it’s your responsibility to make sure that the subcontractors are doing their job as well.
They will be interacting with clients too, so they must have good communication skills. They should also be passionate and highly knowledgeable about their work in order to produce the best outcomes for your clients.
When you and the subcontractors you hire know how to communicate effectively with the clients and each other and are also knowledgeable and passionate about your work, you’ll establish a good reputation for your business. Remember that word gets around quickly if you’re a contracting company worth hiring, and travels even faster if you have an unsatisfied client due to doing a poor job.
