Often times you hear on the news about a contractor ripping people off; unfortunately some less than reputable contractors do things like this in order to make up for lost revenues. However, a few bad apples in this case don’t always spoil the bunch. There are a number of great contractors working to provide you a safe and beautiful home without padding the final bill or cutting corners. In my experience most contractors are great at what they do, and they honor their reputation. They know that all you can do is trust their word and they take that very seriously.

Recently I had to triple a client’s budget on a simple basement remodeling job due to unforeseen complications. I had been working with an aging couple who wanted to update their 1970’s finished basement because they were planning on staying in the house for many more years. After starting the demolition process we discovered extensive mold growth. We had to remove the mold to protect the health of my clients, but once we removed all of the damaged drywall their budget would only cover the cleanup costs. Whatever budget they had originally planned on was now out the window.

This is the part of the job I don’t find enjoyable. I never want a client to feel like I am ripping them off, so when I have to tell them the news I get butterflies in my stomach and I fear their reaction. However, I hope to establish a trust with all of my clients before work begins so they know that I am not going to take advantage of them. Most times people understand that unforeseen costs do arise in construction work, and this is why it is important to establish a bond with your contractor before you get started. When there is trust in a contractor relationship, you can feel better about your project and know your money is well spent.