Friends and Family Contractors

Friends and family contractors have become a popular choice for homeowners who are looking for a reliable and inexpensive way to complete home improvement projects. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind before hiring a friend or family member to work on your home.

Firstly, it is important to remember that hiring someone close to you can put a strain on your relationship. Money has a way of complicating things, and disagreements about pricing or the quality of work can quickly escalate into serious conflicts.

Additionally, a friend or family member may not have the necessary skills or experience to complete the job to your satisfaction. While they may have good intentions, lack of expertise can lead to mistakes and shoddy workmanship.

It is also important to consider the legal and financial implications of hiring a friend or family member. As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring that they have the necessary licenses and insurance to complete the job safely and legally. Failure to do so can lead to legal and financial consequences down the line.

Furthermore, hiring a friend or family member can limit your options if something goes wrong. If the project does not meet your expectations, it can be difficult to terminate the relationship without causing damage to the personal connection.

In order to avoid potential issues, it is advisable to treat a friend or family member as you would any other contractor. Establish clear expectations and a written contract that outlines scope of work, timeline, and payment terms.

Do your due diligence by researching their qualifications and checking references. It is important to make sure they have the necessary skills and experience to complete the job to your satisfaction.

Finally, be prepared to walk away if things don’t go as planned. While it may be difficult to terminate the relationship, it is important to ensure that your home improvement project is completed to a high standard.

In summary, hiring a friend or family member as a contractor can be a good option for some homeowners, but it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and rewards. By treating them as you would any other contractor and establishing clear expectations and a written contract, you can ensure that the project is completed to your satisfaction without damaging personal relationships.