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In the construction and restoration industry, clear communication is the foundation of getting paid for your work. A recent episode of The DYOJO Podcast, titled "Get Paid, Not Played: Managing Client Expectations as a Contractor," dives into a real-world case study that highlights the dangers of misaligned expectations and unclear agreements. The episode unpacks a troubling scenario where a contractor’s attempt to secure payment went awry, offering valuable lessons for contractors on how to protect their earnings and maintain trust with clients. The case study involves a homeowner who filed a hail damage claim after being alerted to the issue by a contractor. The contractor suggested the damage might be covered by insurance, which proved true when the claim was approved. However, tensions arose when the homeowner requested a straightforward estimate for roof replacement. The contractor refused to provide one unless the homeowner shared their insurance scope of work, insisting they deserved the insurance payout since they had flagged the damage. The homeowner, wary of this approach, stood firm, stating the insurance payout was their business. After pushback, the contractor released the homeowner from an outdated pre-work contract but then submitted a surprise $1,200 invoice for unapproved "temporary repairs" and demanded the insurance payment. The homeowner’s insurance adjuster had to intervene, shutting down the contractor’s demands. The homeowner had only paid $375 via Cash App to a technician for a minor fix, which raised red flags about the contractor’s practices. This scenario underscores a common frustration for contractors: investing time, resources, and expertise into assessments and documentation, only for the client to choose a cheaper competitor. As the podcast host explains, contractors often use tools like DocuSketch, detailed photo labels, and Xactimate estimates to create comprehensive claims that secure insurance payouts. When clients take this work and hire someone else, it feels like a betrayal. To mitigate this, some contractors use pre-work authorizations or letters of intent, outlining that their services—such as travel, documentation, and estimating—come with a cost if the client opts out. However, as this case shows, such agreements must be clear, current, and mutually understood to avoid disputes. The episode emphasizes the importance of a clear contract that defines responsibilities and expectations for both parties. A contract should outline what the contractor will do (e.g., assess damage, provide an estimate), what the client is responsible for (e.g., payment terms), and the agreed-upon scope and cost. Without this clarity, misunderstandings can escalate, as seen when the contractor sent a technician for a small repair, paid directly via Cash App, which the homeowner perceived as disorganized or unprofessional. The podcast suggests that contractors should communicate their process upfront, detailing potential outcomes—approval, denial, or partial coverage—and how each will be handled. This transparency builds trust and reduces the risk of surprise invoices or disputes. Another key takeaway is the need for a code of ethics in the industry. The host references the Restoration Industry Association’s Code of Ethics and advocates for a standard of restoring properties to pre-loss conditions using materials of like kind and quality. This principle, dubbed "letting the structure speak," guides contractors, adjusters, and clients toward a shared goal: repairing damage based on its source and extent. By aligning all parties around this standard, contractors can avoid gray areas—like unapproved repairs or inflated invoices—that erode trust. The episode also highlights the contractor’s perspective: the frustration of feeling taken advantage of by clients who benefit from their expertise but don’t commit to the job. To address this, contractors should screen clients carefully and set expectations early, positioning themselves as trusted partners. The host suggests using scenarios like this as training opportunities to refine communication strategies and ensure alignment with clients who value their expertise. Ultimately, getting paid as a contractor requires proactive communication, clear contracts, and ethical practices. By setting the tone early, documenting agreements, and adhering to industry standards, contractors can avoid the pitfalls of surprise invoices and unpaid work, ensuring they get paid—not played. 
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Are you ready to shake things up at the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) 2025 Convention and Industry Expo in West Palm Beach, Florida, from April 28-30? The DYOJO Podcast and C&R Magazine are thrilled to unveil the 5050 Challenge—a fun, engaging, and industry-uniting initiative that’s about to take networking to the next level! If you haven’t heard of the #5050Restore challenge, buckle up because this is going to be exciting! What is The 5050 Challenge? Dreamed up by Jon Isaacson, host of The DYOJO Podcast, the 5050 Challenge is all about bursting bubbles and building connections in the property restoration and insurance industry. Last year, Jon tested the waters, and now we’re going BIG at RIA 2025! The goal? Meet 50 new people from 50 different states (or as many as you can!) during the convention. It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, pop those industry cliques, and welcome new faces—whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time attendee. Why does this matter? The RIA Convention broke records last year for attendance, with a huge wave of first-timers joining the ranks. The 5050 Challenge is your ticket to embracing the incoming generation of contractors, sharing wisdom, and forging new relationships that could spark collaborations, ideas, or even lifelong friendships. Plus, you might just win some awesome swag in the process! How The 5050 Challenge Works We’ve made it super easy (and fun) to join the challenge:
Why You Should Join The 5050 Challenge The restoration industry is tight-knit, but let’s be real—we all gravitate toward our familiar groups. The 5050 Challenge is a reminder to break out of those bubbles. As Michelle Blevins, owner of C&R Magazine, puts it, “This is a good challenge because we do kind of all go into our groups. The industry is so small, so if you walk into a room, you can see where the groups of friends are. I’m certainly guilty of that.” For industry vets, it’s a chance to mentor and welcome newcomers. For first-timers, it’s an opportunity to push boundaries and connect with the pros you’ve read about in C&R Magazine or heard on The DYOJO Podcast. And for everyone, it’s a way to make the RIA Convention unforgettable. Jon Isaacson sums it up perfectly: “Those of you that have been in the industry, get out of your bubble. Meet some new people. Embrace the incoming contractors and generations. And those of you that are new, keep pushing people to burst their bubbles. Pop bubbles. That’s what we’re trying to do.” Why C&R Magazine and The DYOJO Podcast? C&R Magazine, the oldest trade publication in the cleaning and restoration industry, and The DYOJO Podcast, the go-to resource for shortening your “DANG learning curve,” are proud to team up for this initiative. Both are passionate about elevating the industry through education, advocacy, and community. C&R delivers cutting-edge insights from industry thought leaders, while The DYOJO Podcast brings practical tips and stories to help contractors thrive. Together, they’re the perfect duo to launch a challenge that’s as fun as it is impactful. Join The DYOJO and C&R Magazine at RIA 2025! The RIA 2025 Convention and Industry Expo is the premier event for property restoration and insurance professionals to network, learn, and grow. With the 5050 Challenge, you’ll make the most of every moment—meeting new people, winning swag, and leaving with a network that spans the country. So, are you ready to pop some bubbles? Mark your calendars for April 28-30, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Grab your ticket, follow #5050RestoreChallenge on social media, and get ready to connect like never before. As Jon would say, “Skibbidy, restorers!” Let’s make this convention the most connected yet. For more details on the RIA 2025 Convention, visit convention.restorationindustry.org. To dive into industry insights, check out C&R Magazine at candrmagazine.com and tune into The DYOJO Podcast at thedyojo.com/podcast. See you in Florida! |
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