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TIL why I say no when clients ask for a quicker finish
Last week, a homeowner wanted their patio done in one day instead of two. They asked if we could add water to the concrete to make it set faster. I had to tell them that too much water hurts the strength and leads to cracks later. It put me in a tough spot because they really needed it done quick. I saw a similar job last year where that was done, and the slab failed in months. My advice is to always use the right mix, even if the client gets upset. Holding your ground on quality is better than fixing mistakes down the road.
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kai3271mo ago
A lot of people forget the liability angle. If you do what the client asks against your better judgment and the slab fails, you're still the one they'll sue for damages. Your name is on the work. That failed job you saw probably ruined the contractor's reputation and cost them more in legal headaches than just losing that one client would have. Saying no protects you both in the long run.
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Wonder what the hardest part is about saying no in those moments. Honestly, explaining the technical stuff feels easier than dealing with a client's disappointment. Must be tough sticking to your standards when they're pushing back.
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nora101mo ago
Gonzalez.anna said explaining the tech stuff is easier, but I find the opposite. The hard part is making them understand the WHY before they even get to being upset. If you lead with the reason, the disappointment often doesn't happen.
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