Nick Cosentino is a veteran of over 40 years in the
trades. He is also the founder and owner
of the esteemed and well respected Old Masters Construction Company in Chicago , Illinois
Q: How do I go about finding a good contractor for my remodeling project?
A: First, there are many excellent contractors throughout the city and your area. The trick is finding one that not only fits your needs and project, but also your personality.
Q: Why my personality?
A: Well, let’s explore that. Say you are very hands on; you like to ask a lot of questions. Wouldn’t you want to work with someone who will have patience with you and/or gladly answer them? Believe it or not there are contractors who just want to be left alone, do their job and go home. They can get annoyed when they’re disturbed and have to stop what they are doing just to tend to you. Maybe you don’t like that answer but it’s true. Some trades people are like machines. They have calculated their time and know how long something should take for them to make the money they expect to make for a particular project. A distraction for them means a loss of time, which in turn creates a loss of money. Plus, some contractors have a tunnel vision mentality, needing to focus on the task at hand to assure no mistakes are made, which can also lead to loss time and money.
Then there are contractors who just love what they’re doing and it’s not just about how much money they are making, but the love of the craft. They are usually open to change (even unplanned change), and the appeal of the project and the finished outcome is important to them. That…and they genuinely want to please you. That’s not saying the tunnel vision person is less skilled or wants less to please a customer, it’s just a different approach to doing things. Maybe you’re the same way? Do you like just to be left alone so you can complete a task or do you not mind stopping to answer someone’s query and then able to easily go back to what you were doing? Imagine working with someone who was your opposite? Maybe you already do at your own job…how does that feel?
Then again, maybe you’d rather have a no nonsense type of person working for you? Maybe, you admire that. Someone who comes in does what they’re supposed to do and gets the hell out of there. But, if you’re the type of person who likes to see or know what’s going on, or maybe you like the option of being able to change things because your vision changed as the project was going on, then you’re going to need someone who has a much more open mind and shares your personality.
Q: How do I know if the person I’m talking to is good at what they do as opposed to being able to talk as if they do?
A: You can’t, you don’t and you won’t. Unless you know that person personally, or have witnessed their work more than once, then it’s impossible to know.
Q: Then, how do I go about finding that out?
Well, there are a few things. First, really listen to them. Do they sound like they know what they’re talking about? Do you trust your ears or is there something in your gut that’s telling you different? Always trust your gut…it will never lie to you. It’s called instinct of course and we all have it. Some of us don’t pay attention to that small detail at times and it always comes back to haunt us in the end. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Trust your instincts and move on. In my opinion, we should pick professionals of any kind the same way we pick our friends. Think about that, there are people you know…acquaintances that you wouldn’t call friends and then there are your friends, warts and all. What’s the difference? That’s simple…it’s trust. And you knew it from the beginning didn’t you?
Q: Ok, I talked to this person and they sound reasonable, what’s next?
A: Next is, what are you looking for? What kind of contractor? Are you looking for someone who specializes in exactly one trade or are you looking for someone who does more than just one. There are different levels of both. Let’s begin with the specialist. That’s all they do. If it is tile work, drywall or even electrical. They specifically work in that particular field. But, you have different types too. For your convenience and in my opinion, I broke down the differences in this way:
The tradesman (or person).
They are good at what they do. It’s a science to them. They are usually applicators and most are very good at it. There is a certain amount of time required to learn a trade well and they have gone through that time, sometimes years. If it’s straight forward, and if that’s all you need, then this is the person for you.
The Craftsman
It’s more than just a science of application; it’s a science of that specific work. Why does this material work better than another? How will the room temperature or traffic affect it? What’s wise to do or not and why? What’s just as good, if not better and has less of a cost? How long can your choice of materials to be used and also be expected to last and so forth? When everything is adequately explained, then they will execute the project.
The Artisan
All of the above and they also design, do intricate detail and have an artistic outcome. Not only do they know specifics but usually implement tricks only years and experience can afford someone. Some, they may have invented themselves. They have a love affair with this trade. There is attention to every detail and perfection is expected from their staff and more so, even themselves. They may not be the cheapest one on the block, but chances are they are the best and/or have few peers.
Next week: Asking for References.
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