blog-banner

Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

How your Meeting With a Renovation Contractor Should go Down | Renovation Quotes

By Amanda Harvey

Updated on November 7, 2023

If you’re making moves on the home front and are looking to renovate your current abode, you are likely searching for a contractor to take on the job. The contracting industry may have seen better days, with holes in the current economy and heightened competition, sought-after tradespersons are in high demand.

With that in mind, it’s important to be aware of what contractors are looking for when choosing a homeowner to work with and vice versa. You should be clear from the get-go on what you're looking for when entrusting a contractor with your home. Every homeowner should follow our tips in order for your meeting with your general contractor to go as smoothly as possible!

Here's how a meeting with your general contractor should go down

Come Prepared

For everyone involved, having a set plan from the get-go will make life easier. Your contractor will want to see that you’ve come prepared with questions as well as a set schedule. Although there can be obvious fluctuations in the agenda, it's good to go into your meeting with a set idea of what you want to happen over the course of your renovation project. Be decisive and clear on the details of the project, as this will save you money in the long run.

It will help to avoid any large change orders, also known as unexpected and costly changes that could be sprung on you during the renovation process. Having a solid plan will give your contractor an idea of whether or not they are able to fulfill all of your needs, and you can set out your intentions from the get-go.

Ask Important Questions to the Contractor

Not every contractor is going to be right for the job, so it is important for you to decipher who will work for you. Figure out what the project involves from the get-go, and know what you're expecting. One of the easiest ways to do this is to ask some hard hitting but fair questions.

These should include: who will be here every day? How will you protect my property? Is there anything that concerns you regarding my project? Can I reach you after hours? Your tradesperson should not have a problem answering these 4 questions, and their responses should leave you at ease. If you find that you don’t hear what you’re hoping to, then it would be worth looking into other options.

Understand Where your Contractor is Coming From

Meeting with a contractor_RenoQuotes.com

source: Pixabay, delphinmedia

The better you can communicate with your contractor, the better the meeting will go.  Do some preliminary research before you meet with your tradesperson in order to learn how to talk the talk. Watch online videos or grab a few home renovation magazines. Once you’re in the meeting, make room for discussion or suggestions from your contractor, asking how they plan to carry it out as well as what materials they are planning on using. This can foster collaboration and maybe some new creative ideas you hadn’t thought of. Remember, this is their field so it’s nice to be patient and offer your contractor the spotlight for a moment.

Keep Things Warm and Friendly

As the homeowner, you want to make a good first impression. Like any successful relationship, the interaction with your tradesperson should feel comfortable and natural. Fostering feelings of positivity will lead to the home renovation being an overall positive experience.

Make the meeting environment warm: provide snacks and coffee, let the conversation flow naturally and try not to rush the other party. Regardless of if you’re the one doing the hiring, make your contractor feel like an equal. You might be working together for a while, so your first meeting shouldn’t be like pulling teeth. If it is, then it’s probably a sign that it isn’t the right balance.

Get 3 renovation quotes for your renovation project

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your renovation project. If you submit your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will get estimates from trusted professionals.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?

Table of contents

4 min read

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

4 min read

Léa Plourde-Archer • 25 Jul 2024

How to Apply Drywall Joint Compound

Applying drywall joint compound is an art that requires patience and meticulousness. Contrary to other types of renovation projects, this task is accessible to anyone. However, in order to ensure good results, it is important to follow certain guidelines.

5 min read

Léa Plourde-Archer • 07 Nov 2023

What is Dry Rot and How to Solve This Problem

Are you familiar with «building cancer », dry rot or serpula lacrymans? More and more stories are coming out in the media about people experiencing terrible situations where this fungus attacks the building materials of their house. In this article, we will try to provide information about this type of bacteria, its causes and potential consequences.

Renovation tips
7 min read

Editorial Team • 19 Apr 2024

Planting a Tree on Your Property: How to Proceed

Trees are the ultimate evidence of time gone by. Once you plant a type or species on your property, with time, the sprout will grow, the trunk will thicken, the branches will spread, the buds will bloom, and the foliage will change along with the seasons.

4 min read

Cynthia Pigeon • 07 Nov 2023

Everything to Know About Roof Vent Caps

While thermal insulation is a top priority for most homeowners, proper roof ventilation is also critical to keeping your roofing system in tip-top shape. A roof vent cap is key to achieving this goal.

7 min read

Editorial Team • 07 Nov 2023

Bathroom Vanity: How to Choose Your Sink Countertop

A bathroom vanity is a piece of furniture that allows for convenient storage within a vital part of the home. This piece of bathroom furniture must be well adapted to your needs, the amount of space available, and your style. 

Interior renovations

Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!