Projects That You May Want To Decline
It's always difficult to let a job go. You don't want to pass on a decent paycheck, you don't want to disappoint the client, you don't want to leave your crew wondering when the next job is starting, but sometimes a project comes along that you really shouldn't accept. Here are a few examples of jobs where you may want to take a pass:
You're Not Seeing Eye To Eye With The Client
Maybe they don't understand what the job really entails, maybe they're being unreasonable or they're a poor listener, or maybe you and the client just aren't a good fit. There are instances where it's not so much the job as the client that you want to avoid.
Some red flags for difficult clients include the following:
- They don't like the idea of putting 10% down on the job or they try to argue about your requested payment schedule.
- They schedule you and a competitor for the same interview.
- They keep you waiting on signing the contract.
If a client is being a real pain, it's best to abandon the job as soon as possible. Don't try to reason with them, don't try to make it work, just cut and run before they give you an ulcer.
The Budget Won't Fit The Project
The quickest ways to squeeze a big project out of a small budget are to cut corners in safety or in craftsmanship. With the former, your crew gets hurt, and with the latter, your reputation takes a hit. If you can't talk the client up to a bigger budget, you may want to skip the job entirely.
It's Just Not Your Area Of Expertise
We've all done a little bit of work outside of our specialties. If you're a cabinet maker, for instance, you might fall back on your electrical experience and do a little bit of rewiring here and there in order to make room for the new installation. When you're looking at, say, extensive plumbing work, on the other hand, and nobody on your team specializes in that, you may want to simply recommend someone else to the client.
Taking on any work where you're not comfortable with the job, the working conditions, the client or the budget rarely ends well. Challenge yourself, sure, but don't challenge yourself in ways that could lead to serious harm to yourself, your income, your reputation or your crew.