Home improvement is a pressure filled task that is bound to result in one form of conflict or another between a contractor and a home owner. Such conflicts have been known to stall projects resulting in financial losses to both parties. However, it’s important to know that conflict is perfectly normal and should not be a reason for stalled projects. You just need to know how to deal with it when it arises.
Here’s your ultimate guide on how to deal with emerging conflicts between you and your contractor.
Clearly define the issue
The very first step in successfully addressing a conflict is being clear on what the issue is. Most conflicts will unnecessarily escalate simply because both parties have not clearly explained what the issue is. It’s necessary for both parties to lay down the facts before any discussions can commence.
Bring in a third party who must be neutral
In many occasions, two parties who are in conflict will not be willing to acknowledge their mistakes to each other, and this can be deliberate or indeliberate. It’s therefore necessary to have a third party in the conflict resolution process who is neutral, who’s task it will be to clarify the viewpoints of both parties to create better understanding. In such an environment, both parties are more likely to see their errors and even admit them.
Work only with facts
One of the main reasons for conflicts degenerating is when parties move away from the facts and focus on their personal views and opinions of each other. It’s important that during the conflict resolution process, both parties stick to the facts and the facts alone. This is the only way the conflict can be resolved amicably.
Learn to listen
The only way that parties involved in a conflict will be able to resolve it is by listening to each other’s point of view and working towards getting to a middle ground. Turning the discussion into a debate or a shouting contest will only worsen the conflict as opposed to help in resolving it. Listening may even help avoid the conflict altogether.
Try to avoid assigning blame
As part of the conflict resolution process, you must try to avoid assigning blame. If t has been established that one of the parties is at fault, it’s better to acknowledge the problem and focus on a solution to the problem as opposed to focusing on assigning blame. The party responsible for the problem will be more willing to handle their mess as long as it doesn’t seem as though their back is against the wall.
Review the terms of the contract
In many occasions, the contract was agreed between the parties involved in the conflict will itself offer a way forward in the event of certain eventualities. It’s therefore necessary to go back to the contract and see what its states. In the event the contract did not foresee such an occurrence then this will be a good opportunity to have it relooked so as to cater for such unforeseen circumstances.
We trust that these have been really helpful insights.
We would love to hear your own home improvement tips.
