Always Get it in Writing!

You are going to find as you progress in your construction or subcontracting business that it is essential that you get things in writing; especially when it comes to the things that concern the work on your project.

You are going to find that people tend to get amnesia about the scope of work you are supposed to do.  I have found that there is nothing worse than misunderstandings.  Mistakes can be corrected but when it comes to misunderstandings emotions tend to get tangled into the mix and that is when things can really get messy.  Somebody’s feelings are going to get hurt.

It is easier and much more efficient to get everything that concerns the scope of work, methods of payment and change orders in writing.  The worst thing you can do is rely on people’s memory.  You will hear things like you “you said you would do this or that” and when you cannot remember it; it develops into a conflict.

The best course is to write everything down that is of importance.  I have always considered my word to be my bond and if I am going to say something that may affect the work or the performance of the work; I will issue a memo or a short note.  Keep a record of everything you agree to; you will find that it will eliminate a lot of issues.

Utilizing this strategy has decreased the number of conflicts for me because when somebody says I said I would do something that is contrary to my normal procedure I tell them to show me the memo I issued.

This is an extremely important issue so I will revisit this subject more as we go along; in the meantime please take my advice!