1. Get a contract in writing.
2. Communicate clearly and throughout the process.
3. Show up on the job site.
4. Don't pay in advanced.
5. Hold back at least 10% of the contractor fee until you've inspected the job at the end.


- Okay. So the first tip, very important, get a contract in writing. Make sure it includes the scope of work, which says in its very detail, here's what's expected and here's what needs to be done and how it needs to be completed. Also, set timelines and expectations. This can be built in to your contract. Now, sometimes if it's a bigger project, some of our clients will provide a bonus to the contractors if the job is finished on time, and if it is not finished on time, a reduction in the price, okay? So there's various ways to work out contracts and payment in order to keep your contractor on time and to schedule. Okay. Next tip, communicate clearly and throughout the process. This is also key. It's important that you're in constant dialogue with the contractor. So if any changes need to be made mid stream, you can easily make these changes while the work is being completed as opposed to down the road, which ends up costing you much more money. Okay, the next tip, show up on the job site. So you want to show up, you know, most of our clients, again, landlords, they're doing renovation contracts in a different city. And you don't want to be the lazy landlord who never shows up because if you don't show up, well guess who else is not showing up to the job, okay? So make it a point to show up at the job site at least twice a week. Also, if you can't show up for whatever reason, FaceTime your contractor and make sure they show you what's been done for the day or so, okay? All right. Next tip, don't pay in advance. So it, you know, contractors like to price for it, meaning, "Hey, give me the money and then I'll work towards that." Try not to do this method because as you get towards the end of the job, they may just take off, okay? And the last tip I have for you is to hold back at least 10% of the contractor fee until you've inspected the job at the end and everything is working before you release the last payment. Happy renovating and see you on the next one.