Setting clear expectations when hiring a service provider

Having clear expectations at the start of a project and maintaining them throughout the completion of work is integral to a project’s success. Below are some tips for how to make sure you’re both on the same page and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Communicate clearly

Gawin makes it easy to communicate with your service provider with our category-specific request forms that serve to capture relevant project information and our secure messaging platform to simplify communication.

Be very clear in communicating your expectations, timeline, and the requirements for your project. If you want a specific type of paint used on your house or if you expect your wedding photos to be edited a month after the wedding, let the service providers know that so they can plan accordingly. For home improvement in particular, providing photos of other projects that are similar in style or quality can be extremely useful to help service providers understand your expectations. This prevents any unexpected delays (or missed expectations) so that your project is successfully completed.

Don’t wait until the end of a project to voice your concerns or dissatisfaction. If you think something isn’t going well, speak up when the issue arises.

Maintain complete records

In addition to clearly communicating expectations for your project, it’s a good idea to record those expectations in writing. Gawin's messaging platform will store your conversation with the service providers. For long-term or high-value projects, it may be a good idea to sign a contract before beginning the project. This further guarantees that you and the service providers agree, and will be invaluable in the rare case that anything goes wrong.