1) Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

Unless you’re inventing innovative methods for tackling common small job remodeling projects, the solutions are already out there. Someone else has come before you and figured out solid and simple resolutions that work. There’s no need to be the hero. What truly matters is that you deliver a final product that your client loves and cherishes. Focus on the quality and timeliness of the work and the rest will take care of itself. After all, you’re not building a Rube Goldberg machine here.

2) The Internet is Your Friend

Even experts have questions that need speedy answers. Don’t shy away from the greatest source of knowledge humanity has ever known. That’s right, the internet is your friend. If you aren’t exactly sure how to do something and don’t feel like probing your network for answers, swallow your pride and get typing. Sure, you can’t necessarily become an expert from solely watching YouTube tutorials but, you can solve a pesky problem that requires an elusive solution.

3) Don’t Overlook the Time-Sinks

The diminutive aspects of any project always take longer than initially predicted. Plan accordingly. Add time and budget to the project scope if you anticipate tasks to take longer. It’s more cordial and professional to identify time-consuming tasks up front for your clients. Why’s that? Because people absolutely despise surprises, especially when there’s a hefty chunk of change involved.

4) Keep Current Job Sites Spick and Span

Your job sites act as your resume. Your finished projects build up your industry clout and can be showcased to your prospects to illustrate why you’d be ideal for the job. It’s not uncommon for prospective clients to hit the streets to do some scouting of their own. If your site is kept clean, organized, and looks like it’s destined for success, you’ll earn invaluable brownie points with your future clients.

5) Practice Transparency

Communication is always a paramount component of any successful project. Talk with your clients more than you think you should. It’s not about providing lip-service or empty promises but about assuaging the lingering doubts they may be harboring. Get their approval before making a decision on your own. Lay everything in the contract out on the table in plain site. Again, surprises and customer satisfaction rarely walk hand in hand.

6) Speed Along the Decision Making Process

Before the advent of a project, encourage your client to make as many decisions as they possibly can before the first hammer-strike. The color of the paint on the guest room walls. The trim-style for the third-floor loft. The types of door knobs to be used throughout the house. These little decisions don’t seem like much at first glance, but they’re precisely what delay a project. Don’t allow your clients to make all of these decisions last minute.

7) You’re Only as Good as Your Network

This rule of thumb isn’t reserved to the world of home remodeling, it permeates all areas of life. Surround yourself with talent that you trust as a way to ensure the success of all of your projects. You can lean on the expertise of your network to plug holes in your own. That way, when you need advise, a favor, a second look at something, you’ll have the perfect people around the table to help you.

8) Give Your Client a Reason to Recommend You

Just like “America runs on Dunkin,” home remodeling projects run on referrals. Shoddy solutions and quick fixes result in burnt bridges which will eventually catch up to you if you burn enough of them. Do whatever you can to secure a client recommendation. This goes back to building your network, it’s not reserved to other professionals, it expands into your customer base as well.

9) The Customer is Always Right

The golden rule of customer relations holds true for small home remodeling. Whether you think your client is right or wrong, they end up being right. They hold the purchasing power. They’re providing you with the opportunity to exersise your skills and craftsmanship, not the other way around. Unless they’re obviously out of line, bend to their will and make them happy.

Now that you’re armed with these nine tips for small remodeling jobs, you can go out into the world ready to face your next challenge!

Did we miss anything? Would you add something else to this list? Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment and make this post better. We’d love to hear from you!