During an installation, repair, or renovation, you put the fate of your facility in someone else’s hands. It can be daunting to trust a contractor to complete work on your property, and things only get worse when they start running behind schedule. Sometimes a change in schedule can be recouped later in the project, but many facility managers experience delays caused by contractors that derail their plans entirely.
So, what do you do when trust starts to wane between you and your contractor?
The first thing to do is find out why. Weather and unexpected delays from suppliers, among many others are legitimate reasons for falling behind schedule. Though your contractor should be communicating these to you, there’s no reason to panic when these things happen. However, reworks due to shoddy craftsmanship or subcontractors not showing up on time are all causes for concern.
If things are still falling behind, you must find better ways to communicate with your contractor. Some contractors will be afraid to report delays if they’ve had poor experiences with past clients. It’s important to encourage communication, even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. The more information you have about the progress of your project, the better you’ll be able to manage the rest of your business. Talk to your contractor and figure out methods of communication that work for both of you.
It’s important with any delay or change in your project that you and your contractor solve the problem together. You may have different expectations and will need the expert guidance from your contractor on how to conduct operations when things aren’t going as planned. They will also want to know your expectations and needs when things go wrong. By working together, you can create a solution that works for everyone.
If things are still going poorly, you may need to seek outside help. Sometimes it simply won’t work with a contractor, and you’ll need to cut your losses and find an alternate solution. While this is challenging (and sometimes contractually complicated), it’s better to find a contractor who can get the job done right. You can use this experience as a powerful lesson on the value of competent, experienced contractor work.
At MaintenX, we prioritize your satisfaction over all else. That’s why our contractors finish work on time, and communicate with you consistently to keep everyone in-the-know in the event of delays. Whether it’s for a minor repair or major renovation, MaintenX has your back for all of your facility needs. Contact us today to learn more!
