In our course we discuss the importance of picking your team (subcontractors) and also define your BHAG.  I will start with the latter first.  

Your BHAG is your Big Hairy Audacious Goal.  Simply stated, your vision of your desired outcome.  This can be presented with pictures from Pinterest, Real Estate books, Vendor Magazines or physical samples of various products put together to aid in creating a representation (clear picture) of your end result.  

When you hire skilled workers to physically perform specific tasks, these people (subcontractors) become your team.  They are there to make your BHAG come to life.  It is important that when picking your team, you know and trust that they are capable of not only performing the task at hand but are able to complete that task with high quality and proficiency.  

The question at hand is “How do you know that they can meet that objective?”  I will state the obvious that different tasks require different skill sets.  For example, when it comes to tasks like flooring, your local flooring store that you choose to work with will send you highly skilled and specific skilled labor for specific products.  They would not send a tile setter to lay and seam your carpet.  

 When it comes to very technical tasks like cabinets or handrails, it is so important to have an understanding that the products are not just boxes or vertical sticks with a cap (handrail).  These tasks require precision and experience and patience and a very clear understanding of your outcome.  

 Allow me to visit painting for a minute.  On the surface it would seem that when you find a painter or self-perform, the task seems easy enough.  I will be the first to tell you that I do some of my own painting.  The skill involved in proper preparation and having ceiling paint on the ceiling and wall paint on the wall and trim paint on the trim is no easy feat.  I also think that painting is one of the easiest ways to make yourself money by self-performing yet patience is a virtue for a proper and professional outcome.  

Getting back to the question of how you pick a subcontractor to meet your BHAG.  First and foremost, ask for pictures and references.  Second, call the references and ask questions that would relate to yourself and your lifestyle, not theirs specifically, what works for some does not work for all.  Third, show your potential subcontractor your BHAG (vision board) and make sure they understand your desired outcome.  Be very clear on your expectations and put it all in writing.  Spell out your BHAG in a written manner including pictures if you like that explain the desired outcome in simple terms that your kids would understand.  This is not and I repeat NOT insulting.  This is being clear to avoid an uncomfortable conversation after materials and labor have been spent.  I will go out on a limb and say that just because someone can install cabinets, build a functional handrail or put paint on a wall does not mean that it is done with precision or professionalism regardless if it is their best work.  Ask the questions that fit you and your project scope and have your BHAG come to life in a manner that is not only respectful to you and your efforts, they also respect the materials and labor that goes into your BHAG!

Time to take a deeper dive with C3 Project Pros. Our DIY Kitchen and Bath training will give you the skills and confidence to complete ANY of your home renovation projects on your own!

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