Setting the Standard
Anyone who has picked apart their local area looking for contractors to help them improve their home, knows the struggle of taking a risk. According to Better Business Bureau statistics, contractors are the #1 most complained about industry and without doing some homework consumers can easily get misled. Home improvement horror stories can include unfinished projects, shoddy workmanship, longer-than-expected project durations, final bills that come in higher than the quote, and more.
To avoid a home improvement disaster, always be sure to look for four key values in a company:
Stability
Every home improvement company has a track record. If you are unable to find any record, that is the first red flag. Instead of asking the contractor about how stable their company is, you can look for tangible proof of longevity & stability.
Professionalism
A solid home improvement company will not only produce great results, but will pay attention to detail, show you & treat you with respect, and will appear professional. The little things make a big difference!
Reputation
You can tell a great deal about a contractor based on their reputation within their community and with their customers. Ask to see customer reviews or ask if they’ve received any accolades or have been recognized for any awards. You can also check the company’s BBB rating!
Workmanship
In order to get the job done right the first time, competence is key. Any good home improvement company will have their installation crew professionally trained and up to date with the latest home improvement practices. They will also provide and lifetime warranty and service for your product.
These are the four values that will not only give you peace of mind, but a great home improvement experience. When done properly, a home improvement project can make your home more enjoyable and increase its value. A contractor should always do business with the consumer in mind. More often then not, cheaper contractors tend to be more appealing to consumers because buying from them seems less risky.
What the consumer may fail to consider is that cheaper contractors might not offer a lifetime warranty, a 100% money back guarantee, or the quality of product. In the Home Improvement Industry, consumers are actually better off DIY-ing it than risking hard money with cheap un-guaranteed contracting work.
