Documentation
Prepare properly:
Personal
Select a trouble free contractor
check track record
and references
avoid personalities you don't like or who are
intimidating or rude
Attitude
Do not assume that problems
will occur
Do not assume that a mistake or defect is intentional
Do
not let a 'mole-hill' problem affect morale on the whole project
Avoid
anger and personal remarks
Use an intermediary if you cannot
communicate with the other party
Identify and accept your own errors
quickly because you will eventually pay dearly for stubbornly 'sticking
to your guns' if you are wrong.
Quality
Check quality of
any work prior to payment
Disputes
If a dispute is likely,
check your rights with your local Department of Fair Trading. Most
residential work is protected legislation or insurance.
If the
Department cannot assist, consider informal mediation with a mutually
agreed person.
If still unresolved, arrange formal mediation.
If
mediation is unsuccessful, consider legal action.
WARNING : The
cost, delay and stress of legal action can be much greater than
anticipated.