In any rehabbing project, there must be a team leader. In fact, any concerted team effort should have a leader. In most cases, it will be you, the real estate investor. So what role does the contractor play then? He will serve as the executioner of the team leader’s plans. In short, you direct the contractor and his assistants act. So to be able to work as a team, here are some tips you must follow on being the boss.

Know what you want. Even before you hire a contractor and ask for project proposals, you must know what you want to happen to the property you bought. With the help of a professional home inspector, you must be able to determine which parts of the property need cosmetic repairs. Pin-point too what portions of the house you want to be revamped. Know how much you are willing to spend on repairs. That way, your contractor will be able to make recommendations based on your budget and plans.

Be a writer – literally. Just to be sure that you don’t forget anything, be sure to put everything in writing. Carry a small notebook with you all the time so you can list what materials you need to purchase. If you were away from the site and realized you wanted a part of the house to be fixed or left untouched, list it down.

Act if permitted. You will need permits to perform certain construction or repairs in any building in any state. Do not be afraid to apply for these permits; they were instituted to ensure that all standards are followed and that no one is put in harm’s way while you proceed with the rehabbing project. Be sure to check local codes regarding specific tasks and repairs that require permits. Serious plumbing and electrical repairs almost always require permits.

Build rapport. A rehabbing team should operate as efficiently as clockwork. Each person plays a specific part. That is why it is important that you build rapport with your contractor and your workers. While you should maintain a professional relationship, learn to loosen up a bit and get the trust of your subordinates. Make them feel that you are leading them and not slave-driving them. You can even treat them to dinner once the project is completed.

The success of the rehabbing project will mostly rely on the coordination between the real estate investor and the contractor. Investors are usually busy marketing the property and that is why they leave the physical work on the hands of a contractor and his workers. But if your contractor misunderstood your instructions, that could lead to disastrous – not to mention very costly – errors.

Be a decision-maker. What makes a leader stand out from the rest of the team is his ability to make decisions. And in the business of rehabbing houses, decisions are made rather fast but carefully. When you lead a team, ensure that the decision you make will be beneficial to all parties concerned. Make sure your decisions are aimed at the completion of the project.