Independent Construction Contractors

An independent home improvement contractor is someone that is usually self employed who runs his or her own business. As independent contractors they earn their livelihoods from practicing their craft or skill. They do not depend upon other employers to earn their livelihood. Often they are referred to as consultants, freelancers, self-employed labor, and even entrepreneurs or business owners.

Homeowners often find it necessary to hire independent construction contractors to assist them in homeowner projects. Successful building contractors in the construction industry typically work for a number of different clients, often at the same time, depending on how large the company is. They may be general contractors or specialize in particular jobs or projects that require a special expertise that a homeowner may not have the time and tools to do such as plumbing, heating, heavy equipment work or electrical. Independent contractors enjoy many advantages by being self-employed. They can work closer with the homeowner on a more personal bases to understand and satisfy the homeowner’s needs. Independent contractors realize that customer satisfaction insures their livelihood.  Word-of-mouth advertising is the independent contractor’s reputation. Many do not professionally advertise their services. 

Despite the advantages of being an independent contractor in the construction trades, it is not always a bed of roses. Some of the major drawbacks independent contractors have working with homeowners:

• Homeowners don’t know what they really want.

• Homeowner has no idea of the cost of project (material and labor).

• The homeowner doesn’t insist on a written agreement or contract.

• Difficulty agreeing on a payment schedule.

• Making final payment.

• Gaining access to property to perform work.

Independent construction contractors are primarily business people first and skilled craft trade specialists second. They know there business and trade as well as the competiveness of the market place. Most are licensed contractors and charge a fair price and perform great work to the homeowner’s satisfaction. As business people they prefer written or formal agreements for their services, regardless if the project is a few hundred dollars or many thousand. Such agreement protects the homeowner and the contractor. For the best results for a home improvement project where a contractor is assisting the home owner, the homeowner would be wise to discuss the entire aspects of the intended work with the contractor and enter into a written agreement for the work. Such agreements protect both parties and insure that the homeowner will receive what he/she has contracted for. Reputable independent contractors prefer doing business in this manner. Both the contractor and homeowner are aware that if either party breaches the written agreement a resolution can be obtained in court, usually in a small claims court. Neither party looks forward to this course of action and usually does everything to avoid it.