It’s an unfortunate fact that home renovation contracts sometimes end badly. In very rare cases, this might be due to a client who behaves unethically toward the contractor. But let’s be honest – in the vast majority of situation, a bad result is due to mistakes made by the contractor, not the client. These mistakes might be technical in nature. They could also be administrative, financial, or even ethical.
Part of it comes down to the fact that home renovation is so popular. It’s an industry that is literally worth billions of dollars, and homeowners have never been more interested in the financial and lifestyle benefits of home renovation. This means that there is a huge amount of competition within the industry, with new companies showing up all the time. As the industry grows, contractors appear on the scene who probably shouldn’t be there. They lack the professionalism and skill of high-level contractors, and some of them may not even be licensed. You’ll often see these contractors on free local business directories. That’s not to say that legitimate contractors don’t also advertise on free local business directories, but they will usually refer you to a web site or another official channel that demonstrates their legitimacy as a business.
Given the fact that there are so many “moonlighters” and shady contractors out there, people naturally want to know what makes a good home renovation contractor. What are the best ways to skip through all the mediocrity and get right to the most skilled and ethical renovation companies?
Fortunately, when it comes to home renovation, the cream of the crop has a way of making itself known. That’s due in large part to the prevalence of client reviews on channels like Google, Yelp, or even Angie’s List. The proof of a contractor’s reputation is really found in the stories and opinions of genuine clients. It may not always be possible to see examples of a home renovator’s work in person, but at the very least, you should be able to read advice from past clients and see photographs of the work that was done. Home renovation is not an area where quick results and appearances are desirable. You want genuine workmanship that stands the test of time.
Aside from positive reviews, it’s ideal to find a contractor that has proper vehicles, equipment, and administrative support. This denotes that your experience will be characterized by professionalism and efficiency, without compromising standards. Too often, people hire renovators who lack these qualities. Even if the workmanship is good, other aspects of the experience, such as billing and scheduling, leave a lot to be desired.
What’s the bottom line?
The bottom line is that home renovation is an industry that requires highly-skilled and extremely professional home renovation contractors who can turn the hard-earned investments of homeowners into significant and lasting gains. These gains may be financial, or lifestyle-related. Everyone has their own combination of reasons for renovating, but the goal is always the same: A result that exceeds expectations and stands the test of time.