6 Tips for Remodeling Contractors to Ensure a Smooth Job

When a customer comes to your store for their deck building needs, you’re going to want to be prepared with the right deck wrecker tools and tips to help them get started.

By equipping yourself and your store with some of the following essentials, you’ll not only be able to sell the right products to the right customers but also build a sense of trust that will keep them coming back to you for all their future needs.

1) Clear and Consistent Communication

Effective communication is crucial for a smooth remodeling job. As a contractor working on home exteriors, it's essential to communicate clearly and consistently with your clients throughout the entire process. Here are some key points to focus on:

Understand Client Expectations

Take the time to have detailed discussions with homeowners to fully grasp their vision for the project. This includes listening attentively to their needs, preferences, and any specific concerns they might have.

Provide Regular Updates

Keep the homeowners informed about the progress of the remodeling job. Regularly update them on milestones achieved, any unforeseen challenges encountered, and any necessary adjustments to the project timeline or budget.

Be Responsive

Promptly address any questions, concerns, or inquiries from the homeowners. Being accessible and responsive helps build trust and reassures them that their project is in capable hands.

Set Realistic Expectations

It's crucial to set realistic expectations regarding the project timeline, potential disruptions, and any additional costs that may arise. Transparently communicate any potential delays or unforeseen circumstances that could impact the completion of the job.

Document in Writing

Whenever you discuss project details, changes, or agreements, it's advisable to document them in writing. This can include contracts, change orders, and written communication such as emails or messages. Written documentation helps avoid misunderstandings and provides a reference point for both parties.

By prioritizing clear and consistent communication, you can foster a positive working relationship with homeowners, reduce the likelihood of conflicts or misunderstandings, and ensure a smoother remodeling experience for everyone involved.

2) Know the Tools of the Trade

For most decks, you’re likely to need extension cords and 3 particular power tools: a circular saw, a screwgun (or three), and a power auger (or its analog friend, the clamshell post hole digger). Other common needs include:

• deck board removal tool
• saw horses
• a framing square
• a 4-foot level, a water level (to make sure posts are cut to the same height once they’re set)
• chalk lines
• gloves
• dust masks
• clamps

Finally, make sure they are using bolts and not screws when adding a deck to their house!

3) Bring a Calculator

In most cases, a DIY deck project will cost about $10 to $25 per square foot (depending on creativity and materials). When a customer comes to your store, try and pin down where in that range they’ll be so you can crunch numbers quickly and provide them with the materials they’ll need.

You should also be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of the different materials they may want to work with, such as wood, composite, PVC, and aluminum. This will help you outline a budget for them, and encourage them to make an informed, comfortable budget decision.

4) Help Homeowners Visualize

DIY customers want to personalize and visualize their outdoor living spaces. If you can shower them with ideas and possibilities, you won’t only help encourage them to make a purchase, but also leave them more satisfied and likely to return for future projects.

Pinterest is a great tool for brainstorming and seeing how many options there truly are for DIY home improvement projects like building a deck. Recommend it, or bring up a board of pins on a tablet in-store to show them yourself. Not only will this help inspire your customers, but it’ll also play a role in attracting new leads.

5) Keep It Simple

Whenever you can, encourage your customer to stick to a design scope that works in plenty of standard board sizes (8’, 12’, or 16’). This will help your customers save money—which they’ll undoubtedly appreciate— as fewer measurements and cuts on-site means a faster and cheaper project.

For example, a homeowner that shows you a plan for an 11’x25’ deck will get virtually the same usability from a 12’x24’ deck, with less waste of pallet demolition tools, raw materials, and time.

6) Shake Hands—Job Well Done

DIY homeowners are looking for straightforward, organized, and creative guidance. By following these simple tips while helping customers with their deck projects, you can earn their respect and loyalty with better results than they imagined when they came in the door!