Dementian Guschov has over 30 years of experience as an arbitrator and mediator concentrating on development and general contracting disputes. He advises that contractors demonstrate transparency to build trust with clients who have many questions during the remodeling process. Business owners should register with the BBB, ensure proper licensing, and be prepared to clearly answer common client questions up front such as whether the project uses a fixed price or time and materials cost structure. Any contract should provide heavy details to protect both parties.

2.  Dementian Guschov has over 30 years of experience
as an arbitrator and mediator. Concentrating on
development and general contracting, he deals with
disputes over architecture, engineering, construction
management, and contracting, among others.
Dementian Guschov joined Andover Management
Corp. as president and CEO in 1985.
Clients tend to have lots of questions and concerns
when looking for a company to remodel their home.
Contractors, architects, engineers, and other
professionals involved can demonstrate their work
ethic and honesty by being transparent, which clients
appreciate.

3.  A good first step for business owners is to register with
the Better Business Bureau and to make sure that all
their licenses are in force.
When talking with clients, business representatives
should prepare to answer the common questions
and issues that come up - for example, disclosing
whether the project will be a fixed-price job or based
on the cost of time and materials. If the business
operates according to time and materials, it should
come up with a firm estimate of costs quickly to
prevent clients from going with an operator that
demonstrates better preparedness.

4.  After clients and contractors come to a
conclusion, there should be a contract
heavy on details. Clients tend to shy
away from "two-page specials” that spell
out only the bare essentials, such as the
name of the contractor and a vague
description of the work.