Playing the Remodeler “Image Game”

Don’t play the remodeler image game! Some remodelers love to present themselves as a very “hands on” business owner who personally handles every aspect of the project. That’s how they justify showing up late
to your appointment, with disorganized sales materials, and covered in sawdust.  They’ll say that they were helping out at another customer’s project. In reality they’ve underbid the project and now find themselves working as one of the construction crew to save a few bucks. Beware of the “hands on” contractor; he’s probably in over his head. Here’s four key points to look for when starting to work with a remodeler.

 1. Good communication :

If you can talk with each other, you can work out any details that come up.

Questions to ask yourself: When you leave a message, does he return your call?  Does he return an email promptly?  Does he listen to you?

Nothing is more important than feeling like your remodeler understands your needs and concerns. If he is so busy that he can’t return calls or emails promptly, maybe it’s time to look for a new remodeler. You should always feel like the both of you are on the same page. This can help to avoid miscommunication and costly errors. This is a very important “secret” to a successful and enjoyable remodeling experience.

2. Comfort :

If you feel comfortable with your contractor, the chances that your project will run smoothly are more likely. Think about it. You’ve just invited a stranger into your home. You will be working with this person for a matter of days, weeks, or months depending upon the project you need completed.

Questions to ask yourself: Do you find this person nice? Considerate? Personable? A listener? Was he or she polite and courteous? Or did he make you feel that he wasn’t interested? Can you stand to have this person around?

3. Trust :

There is a high likelihood that a project will entail entrance into your home while you are at work or out, therefore feeling like your contractor is trustworthy is extremely important. Check his references. Keep in mind that the keys to your castle will be given to your contractor. Can you trust him? Listen to your conscience.

4. Appearance :

If your contractor has a neat appearance, this is a very good sign of things to come. This may sound silly, but it’s not. He doesn’t have to show up in a coat and tie, but neatness does count. If his appearance is neat, chances are good he will keep your job and your home neat.

Questions to ask yourself: Is he clean? Is his truck presentable, or falling apart? Is his truck permanently lettered and contain his license number?

I always emphasize the importance of how crucial it is to find the right remodeler for you. Remodeling can be an enormous job that has a huge impact on the quality of your day to day life. Choosing a builder that works for you will most likely lower the stress of remodeling and improve your overall satisfaction. This is your home; you have the right to be picky when it comes to choosing the perfect remodeler for the job.

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