Homeowner etiquette can be a touchy subject to approach with a new client. A survey initiated by an online home improvement retailer polled consumers on basic etiquette questions that you may have. Below is a summary of the responses.
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Tipping:
Most customers said they would not tip their home improvement contractors. Some said they would based on the quality of the work completed.
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Security:
In general, homeowners are not comfortable providing contractors a key or passcode to their home. Let your customers take the lead on offering this as an option for a project.
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Being Home During the Project:
Over half the homeowners surveyed stated they are not comfortable leaving their home during a home improvement project.
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Valuables:
Homeowners were split on whether or not they would put away valuables when work was being done on their home. It is to your benefit to request that clients store valuable or fragile items during a project to prevent anything being broken.
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Offering Food & Beverages:
Participants in the survey said the length of the job would determine what they might offer workers in their home. Most confirmed they at least offer coffee and water. Let your clients know that you do not expect any refreshments to be available to your staff.
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Use of Restrooms:
The majority of homeowners stated they would allow workers to use a guest bathroom during a home improvement project. If the project was large with multiple workers, those surveyed stated they would prefer other restroom arrangements be made.
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Wearing Shoes Inside:
About 80% of homeowners responded that they would not ask workers to remove their shoes when entering the home. When coming indoors during a project, confirm the homeowner’s wishes first.
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Making Conversation:
Most homeowners stated that short and polite conversation is what they are comfortable with during a project.
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Pets:
Clients indicated that the length of the project would determine whether or not they would isolate their pets. If having pets contained is your preference, be sure to discuss it prior to beginning the project.
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Smoking:
Homeowners stated they would allow smoke breaks but only outside the home. A small number of respondents stated they would prefer to hire non-smokers. Be sure to respect your clients wishes on smoking and review your company policy with your staff.
Keeping your clients comfortable throughout the course of the project is a sure way to receive a referral from them in the future. Addressing any of their concerns, in the beginning, goes a long way to making sure their needs are met while you complete the work. Be sure to ask if they are financially comfortable with the project and ask if they’ve considered low monthly payments with financing. Foundation Finance offers flexible, easy-to-use financing programs for contractors all over the U.S. For more information, call 855.241.0024 ext. 5012 or email [email protected].
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