Something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately is the client homeowner/general contractor relationship. Actually, it’s been on my heart for a while. For the most part, our clients at c2s are pretty great. They’re respectful, kind, communicative, and truly a joy to work with. But then there’s other, stories I hear from colleagues in the trades, and a couple that have almost taken us under – emotionally and financially. They were/are brutal. Horrific, even.
I’ve had one too many conversations with friends in this industry who are ready to quit altogether. And a couple (two too many) who’ve lost hope entirely. Stories of almost taking their own lives, some have even tried. It’s heavy. It’s real. And it’s not talked about enough.
So I decided to write a love letter to the homeowner from a general contractor. To the good clients, the hard ones, the future ones. This is how it really feels on our side. It’s not a rant – it’s a real, honest reminder that relationships matter. Respect matters. And kindness goes a long way for all parties involved.
Dear Client,
You hired us to help bring your dream to life. To turn a Pinterest board into something you can actually live in. And we love what we do. Truly. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing you walk into your finished space with tears in your eyes because it finally feels like home.
Hiring a contractor is a big deal. It’s not just a transaction – it’s a relationship. It’s a partnership. Honestly? It’s a marriage. We’re in your home, in your finances, in your life. And like any marriage, when it works, it’s beautiful. But when it doesn’t? It involves stress, heartache, and sometimes, unfortunately, lawyers. And no one wants that. We sure don’t.
Most of you are amazing. You welcome us into your homes. You trust us with your biggest investment. You cheer us on. You say thank you. You ask thoughtful questions and offer water bottles and snacks to the crew on a hot day. You get it—that this is a collaboration. That we’re a team.
To you, we say thank you. Deeply.
But we also need to speak for the times when it gets hard. When somewhere along the way, we stop feeling like a partner and start feeling like the enemy.
We’re not just swinging hammers and laying tile. We’re coordinating dozens of moving parts, chasing down trades, navigating delays, supply chain issues, permit setbacks, and weather. We’re trying to keep our crews motivated, paid, and safe. We’re juggling kids and family life, running payroll, reviewing bids at midnight, and sending updates before our coffee even hits the cup.
We show up every day trying to make magic for you. And yet, it often feels like we’re not allowed to be human. One misstep, one misunderstood text, one delay we didn’t create, and it all comes crashing down on us. The frustration. The blame. The comments that hit deeper than you know.
But here’s what we want you to really understand: we are on your team.
We want to get in and out of your home faster than you do. We don’t benefit from delays – they cost us far more, too. Our goal is not just to build you something beautiful, but to do it efficiently, thoughtfully, and respectfully. When comments come in questioning our timeline, our work ethic, or our integrity, it wears on us. Because we know how hard we’re working behind the scenes.
Did you know that your project might involve 30+ licensed and insured tradespeople—all of whom are small business owners themselves? They are parents. They are neighbors. They are waking up early, showing up rain or shine, and giving their best. Coordinating that many schedules, that many humans, and that many lives is a delicate dance. One that we take seriously.
We know this might be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make possibly second only to buying your home. We honor that. We don’t take it lightly. We know it comes with emotions, expectations, and sometimes fear. And when things go sideways, as they inevitably will in a construction project, we feel that pressure too.
Please remember: we are not your therapist. We care deeply, but we cannot carry the weight of your personal stress, your marriage tension, or your financial anxiety. We are not here to be your emotional outlet. We are here to build. And we have hearts, too.
We are not trying to rob you. We are not trying to take shortcuts. We are not ignoring you when we don’t respond to a late-night email. We are simply trying to balance it all – our crews, your home, our business, and our families.
When you send a kind message instead of a harsh one? It means more than you know. When you treat us like humans, not just laborers? It changes everything. When you offer a coffee, a smile, or a simple thank you? It carries us through the chaos.
This industry is hard. It’s exhausting. It can be thankless. But we keep doing it because we care. Because we believe in the power of a home. Because we want to make something lasting for you.
So this is us, being raw and real: We need your grace. We need your partnership. We need your respect. We need you to remember we’re people too.
To the clients who see us, appreciate us, and treat us with kindness from day one, you are the reason we keep showing up.
To the ones who may not realize the weight of their words, this is your reminder.
We’re not perfect, but we’re doing our absolute best. And we promise, we’re in this with you. Not against you.
Love, Your General Contractor
