You’re starting a project, and whether you provide a specific skilled trade like an electrician, plumber, HVAC, etc. or are a general contractor working on a project for a client, this is an exciting time.

The client is excited to see their vision come to life through your work, but we’ve all heard horror stories about or from contractors on how this plays out.

The unfortunate reality is that you and your client have expectations about how this job may go and assumptions you’re both making.

This can lead to conflict, disappointment, missing items, or payment not being received.

While this may have happened to you previously, Families First Mediation has developed coaching to help you reduce risk with clients and to help to improve your contracts. For example, we can create a process that triggers mandatory mediation based on a defined set of circumstances.

Before you’re in an uncomfortable situation or looking at small claims court, do your contracts create clear expectations for both you and your client for the following:

  • Defined scope of work that meets client’s expectations.
  • The process for change requests during the project (scope creep).
  • The consequences of not meeting timelines.
  • Defining detailed responsibilities.
  • Communication why, when and how.
  • The process to be followed if there is a dispute.
  • Why a documented mediation process is important for you and the client.

Avoid some of the unpleasantness in managing expectations and communications and help you get paid for the work you’ve done. Avoid small claims court and speed up the time to resolution with proper preplanning.

Follow the motto, measure twice and cut once, not only with your approach to the work but how you set expectations with your clients.

Call Robert at 647-692-7744 to book your cost-effective coaching session, or start with a free 15-minute consultation to answer your specific questions on the process.

At Families First Mediation, we take a holistic view of what is considered “Family” in family mediation. The impact of these disputes can take a large toll on both your family and your client. You’re a business owner and depend on this income to support your family, and your work is impacting the family of your client.