No contractor wants to get into the practice of turning down work, but if you want to avoid a big load of stress and drama, there are some clients that should be given a wide berth.
Below is some information that can help you cope with difficult clients — and perhaps avoid them entirely.
The ones who know it all
This type of client will make you wonder where they got their contractor’s license because they know so much more than you do about the job. They will argue over projected costs and time allotted for each task. Their expectations will be way over-blown and they are often impervious to reason.
Dealings with this type of client will often lead you into arbitration or the courtroom.
They need a hand to hold
Anxiety-ridden clients may have been badly burned by previous contractors on other jobs and are fearful of the past repeating itself. Or, they may be nervous by nature. Regardless, this often manifests in a tendency to micromanage and second-guess your decisions.
You can often mollify them by providing them with legitimate glowing reviews from former satisfied clients and a commitment to transparency.
The penny-pincher
Everybody loves a bargain, and there is nothing wrong with accommodating a client who wants to get the best deal possible. But haggling over small sums on a big job can slow you down. When work is at a standstill, those costs come out of your pocket.
Clearly litigious clients
If you sense a client might be quick to sue for spurious reasons, you can check with the Maricopa County Civil Clerk of Court to see how many lawsuits they have filed in the past. Remember, merely suing someone to right a civil wrong is not inherently a red flag. But if they filed multiple lawsuits against former contractors and other service providers, it could indicate someone who is impossible to please.
Has a construction client threatened you with a lawsuit?
For best results, the moment you suspect legal action might be taken against you or your company, make sure to alert your construction law attorney to the situation.