6. LEARN HOW TO BREAK UP AND MAKE UP
Some relationships fall apart despite everyone's best intentions, so establish a graceful way to exit if need be. Lupberger points to a provision hammered out by a fellow contractor that allows clients—and their pros—to bow out with seven days' notice. Consider adding an incentive clause, too. Homeowners often grumble when they can't penalize a contractor who finishes weeks—sometime months—after the projected due date. But a better idea is to dangle an award if he beats the clock. "I love that," says Thompson, who was once gifted with a $5,000 bonus on a big project. "That is complete fire under a contractor's butt.