Open Communication Yields Successful Retail Construction Projects

Open communication improves contractor and client relationships by avoiding, minimizing & managing disputes and ensuring the success of the construction/renovation project. While some may think that the success of a project depends entirely on hiring the best commercial contractor in GTA, the truth is that much of it depends on the client as well. Hiring the finest contractors in the business, but not communicating needs, budgets, and goals accurately, may lead to a delayed or over budget project despite the wise hiring decision.

Communication is important. Here are some tips to keep the lines of communication open between you and your contractors:  

·        Once you have hired a commercial contractor for your office renovationin GTA, immediately provide them with all the information they may need. In addition to requirements and budgets, make sure to include a list of contact information for everyone the contractor may need to work with during the project.

·        Arrange scheduled calls with your contractor at regular intervals. In addition to the contractor updating you on progress, make sure you clarify any questions or confusions you may have. Take the time to ensure both parties are clear on issues to avoid much more complicated situations later. This is a key part of strong client-contractor communication.  

·        Discuss service level agreements, optimal communication paths, and expected response time with your contractor. If you rarely pick up the phone, but always answer text messages, let your contractor know.  If you typically only answer emails at the end of the day, say so. Make sure not to delay your responses as you may be delaying your own project’s progress.

·        Don’t leave an assignment open-ended. If you are not able to set a deadline, then set check points along the way. If all other efforts to contact fail, communication will happen on this date.

·        Make an effort to respond promptly in the early days of a new working relationship, so your contractor does not become frustrated with the project or your lack of input. Your lack of concern may result in project delays. Managing your contractor relationship can be as important as the contractormanaging relationships with their subcontractors. 

·        Discuss any issues or concerns with the contractor as early as possible to ensure a speedy resolution. This keeps small issues small.

Remember, the success of the project is impacted by the communication you put into it. So keep the lines of communication open. You, your contractor, and the project will all benefit from it.