Independent Contractor: Avoiding Major Disputes

If you're in the market for an independent contractor, you should understand that things can go wrong in a hurry. When homeowners or business owners hire someone for a particular project, it is essential to make sure everything is agreed upon and laid bare on the table before the work begins. When the workers and the employees are on separate pages, it is a recipe for disaster. Finger pointing, yelling, and threats are bound to follow and no matter how it winds up being resolved, no one is really happy. It's not easy to avoid major disputes, but it can be done. Here are some tricks to making sure a blowup doesn't occur.

Communication

It seems simple enough, but there really is no better way to ensure a good working relationship between employer and independent contractor than clear, effective communication. If you ever have occasion to think, "Oh, I'm sure..." then it's probably something that needs to be said and agreed upon. Don't assume anything. People come from vastly different backgrounds, both business-wise, and personally. What would be naturally assumed in your mind may be the furthest thing from common sense in the mind of the company or individual you hire. When in doubt, talk about it.

Documentation

There is a reason the word "contract" is in the term "independent contractor". You are making a big mistake if there are things you want out of the relationship that aren't written down and signed. Chances are, you aren't going to get them. If you've been promised a completion date, make sure it is written down. If you've been quoted a price, make sure it is written down. Same goes for anything else you consider to be an important part of the contract. If something isn't written down on paper and adorned with two signatures, it isn't worth the paper it is(n't) printed on.

References

One of the best ways to avoid major disputes with an independent contractor is to make sure you hire someone with integrity and honesty to begin with. If you check references and go on recommendations, you'll be far less likely to get saddled with a flake or, worse, a scam artist. We all like to assume the best about people, but assuming is not a good way to do business. Check online reviews and make sure the worker comes to your with references. Call those references and see who you're dealing with. If you don't uncover any problems in the past, the chances are greatly reduced that you'll deal with them yourself.