I stumbled upon this article written by a fellow designer and I thought it would be very enlightening to my readers also….
On why we prefer to work with our own sub-contractors
By: Kelly Morisseau 01 May 2010 07:51 AM PDT
If you have a contractor or designer or any trade who is part of your remodel or building project, and you’ve heard the phrase, “We have a group of trades or subcontractors we prefer to work with”, here’s a thought on why you might want to stick with their selections.
It takes awhile to gather a group who understand your way of doing business, who sync with you to become a cohesive team. It’s easier to design and execute, because everyone knows the level of expectation. (Plus they get your jokes. Or at least pretend to.) It’s easier on the sub-contractors because you’re a known entity, and hopefully, if you’re doing your job right, you’re the type of company they’re proud to be associated with.
We have a marble tile splash being installed, the type of marble which varies from white to creamy with a brown undertone. Although we ordered some samples, we really didn’t know the final outcome so the outlets were specified in white. Yesterday, our electrician phoned. “The marble is really warm. The outlets look horrible.” (This is a somewhat cleaned up version. *grin*)
He’d bought the outlets already—they’re already in. He knew that switching them out would be a pain, but we’re still at the pre-grouted stage, and that it would involve an extra trip to the electrical supply.
He called anyway.
I’ve worked with him for 8 years – he knows my tastes pretty well, and although he’s the first to say he doesn’t design, he has a good eye for color.
I asked if he would get the client’s opinion and we all agreed—he’s going to replace them next week with almond outlets. I owe him some Shark tickets or something. (Regular season, mister, regular season!)
Some of the contractors and electricians I know reading this might say, “So? I would have done the same.” Of course you would—you’re at the level of experience and expectation that you probably wonder why anyone would just leave the white outlets glaring like reflectors. But I get 50-60 emails a day with approximately 10% from homeowners with tales of woe.
That’s why I write–so that hopefully the next group of homeowners who’ve never undertaken a remodel will understand when we say, “We have a group of trades…”
