How Do I Get Contractors To Call Me Back?

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Why is it so hard to get a contractor to call you back? There are many reasons why it may be hard to get a callback. Keep reading to learn tips on how to get a good quality contractor to call you back and take on your building project.

Why is it difficult to get a contractor to call back?

The general problem is that contractors don’t have enough labor as it is, they have to pick and choose which projects will be most beneficial to them and their customers. Not every contractor is equipped for all types of building projects. There are more jobs available than they can do. It’s not necessarily about the money, it’s about becoming the ideal customer for the contractor. Part of doing this is to put yourself in the position of the contractor, if you were the contractor, what would your ideal customer do?

Define your project specifications, but avoid being too rigid.

As stated above, labor plays a major role in the ability of contractors to complete a job. The more rigid and unmoving specifications, the more labor the job will require. With there being more jobs available than they can fulfill already, having too rigid project specifications may negatively affect your ability to secure a contractor. This is not to say that you shouldn’t specify exactly what you want, but more to say keep an open mind and understand what goes into rigidly defined projects. 

Have a timeline in mind, but create the final plan with your contractor.

Like any project, it’s important to have a timeline. However, if possible, try to avoid having too strict of a timeline, or no timeline at all. If you tell the contractor that it can “just be done whenever it’s convenient”, this could tell them that you’re not really interested in the outcome of the project or if it even happens at all. On the other hand, if you tell the contractor that the project “has to be done by exactly X date”, now there is a hard deadline for the contractor before they even are able to coordinate the necessary labor and materials. 

The key is to meet in the middle. When asked about your timeline, have one in mind but be open-minded. For example, when asked about your timeline you could say, “This project is something I want to do, so the sooner the better, but there is also no hard deadline. How does that work for you?” By asking them how that works for them, you’re letting them know that you care about their time and also care about the outcome of this project. 

Get your building permits and blueprints before hiring a contractor.

The contractor you hire is being hired to build something for you, not to file paperwork and navigate through the bureaucracy. The more you can do on the back end of a building project, the less the contractor has to manage. Maybe you apply for building permits, maybe you stake out the property before they visit the potential job site. If you do preliminary work beforehand, this also may show the contractor that you’re serious about the project and it may make you a more ideal client for them. Don’t assume just because they’re a contractor that they’ll do everything for you. If there are high grasses or weeds in the way of the job site, make sure to take care of those because if not, that’s another contractor that your contractor may need to hire and will ultimately bill you for their time. 

Have a written checklist of what you want

As the contractor is working on your project, they’re going to need a checklist of the things you want. Don’t make them take notes, make a checklist for them to keep track of each part of the project. Making the checklist for them takes the initial weight of the organization off of their shoulders so they can focus on executing the tasks, not organizing them. Providing a checklist also makes it easier for the contractor to comprehend exactly what you want. They can refer back to this when needed, rather than assuming what you want. 

Select your builder wisely.

Don’t feel like you have to hire the first contractor you meet. Contact 5-6 contractors to get an idea of the market. Pull their building permits, research the company, and look into their previous or current projects. Make sure that the contractor you hire has expertise and experience in the tasks involved in your specific project. If you’re looking for someone who is experienced in deck building, don’t go for the company that specializes in fence building even though it’s also an outdoor-style project. Look for contractors that have worked on similar projects to yours. 

Be involved, but not intrusive.

No one wants to be sent off to do a job that is ill-defined and micromanaged. Gather the documents and information that your contractor will need, be available to answer questions, and provide feedback when needed, but don’t micromanage their work. 

Getting a contractor to call you back isn’t always an easy task, but following these tips should help set you up for success.

Have questions about building permits, insurance, or contracting? Schedule a consultation with a licensed general contractor!