The Hidden Cost of Working with Relatives in Contracting Jobs

Why Contractors Hesitate Taking Orders from Relatives


By Anas, Owner – MA Furniture Works (Carpentry & Interior Solutions, Noida - Meerut)

Running a business is not just about craftsmanship and commitment — it’s about clear communication, trust, and respect for boundaries. As the proud owner of MA Furniture Works, a carpentry and interior solutions company based in Noida, I’ve handled a wide range of residential and commercial projects — from modular kitchens to full-scale furniture and renovation work.

But there’s one thing I, and many fellow contractors, approach with caution: taking work orders from relatives.

You may wonder: Why would we hesitate to serve our own people? Isn’t that supposed to be easier and more trusting?

The answer lies in real-world experience and the challenges that come not during the work, but after the site is completed. Let’s dive into the reasons why working with relatives can often be more complicated than working with unknown clients.

1. Expectations Without Limitations

Relatives often approach us with the expectation of special treatment — discounts, free additions, last-minute changes — all without fully respecting the time, effort, and resources involved.

They expect the best quality at the lowest price, often saying things like:

"Apne bhai ke liye kya rate laga rahe ho?"
"Yeh to chhoti si baat hai, adjust kar dena."
Such expectations blur the line between personal and professional, and it becomes emotionally difficult to say no.

2. Payment Delays & Loose Commitments

One of the biggest struggles we face is payment clarity. Unknown clients usually follow a defined structure — advance, progress payments, and final settlement. But relatives often delay payments or avoid them altogether by saying:

“Paise to apne hi hain.”
“Jab ho jaaye tab de dena.”
This affects cash flow, disturbs our vendor commitments, and adds financial stress to our team.

3. Boundary Issues & After-Sales Demands

After project completion, relatives tend to call for small repairs, add-ons, or rework — often free of cost. Something as small as a handle coming loose can become a weekly call. And since it’s a close one, refusing the request can hurt the relationship.

There’s no understanding of the warranty scope or usage responsibility, and we often end up losing time and resources without recognition.

4. Emotional Pressure > Professional Terms

With relatives, professionalism often takes a backseat. Clear terms, timelines, and contracts get replaced by verbal understandings. When disagreements arise, there’s emotional pressure:

"Itna to humare liye kar sakte ho."
“Dost ya rishtedaar ho ke bhi tum log aise behave karte ho?”
This emotional guilt can damage either the project quality or the relationship.

5. Feedback Turns Personal

With unknown clients, feedback is professional — they give reviews, ratings, and suggestions. But with relatives, criticism gets personal. A small mistake is amplified, and instead of addressing it constructively, it becomes gossip within the family circle.

This affects your reputation, not just as a contractor, but as a person.

So What’s the Way Forward?

At MA Furniture Works, we’ve learned to handle these situations with grace, clarity, and honest communication. Here’s what we suggest:

Treat every project professionally, relative or not.
Always have a written agreement, even with close ones.
Politely but firmly explain your process and limitations.
Offer value, but not at the cost of your business ethics or finances.
Conclusion: Business Runs on Boundaries

It’s not about refusing help to relatives — it’s about maintaining respect, professionalism, and peace of mind for both sides.

So next time someone asks, “Apne rishtedaar ka kaam lene mein kya dikkat hai?” — remember, it’s not just about work; it’s about the relationships we wish to protect.

If you’re looking for professional, transparent, and high-quality interior or carpentry work — whether you're family, friend, or new client — we’re here to deliver the best.

– Anas
Owner, MA Furniture Works – Noida
Modular Kitchens | Wardrobes | Interiors | Renovation

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