Remodeling Contractors – Be Sure to Talk to Others When Comparing Them
Sometimes the hardest part of a kitchen remodel is choosing which contractor to trust with the project. There are most likely several options in your area so how do you know which one to choose? If you’ve talked to them, they of course put their best foot forward and shared why they would be the right fit for you and your kitchen. They’ve told you all the things they can do for you and all the resources and vendors they work with. They’ve told you their side of all their remodeling experience and what sets them apart. But how do you know what they’re saying is factual? How do you know they aren’t just looking at themselves through rose-colored glasses? It’s always best to talk to other people in your community to get to the bottom of a contractor’s reputation. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
Social Media Reviews
You’re already on the internet looking for companies. While you’re there, take a look at the contractor’s social media pages (Facebook, Google My Business, Angi, etc.) to see what people are saying about them. If a customer had a bad experience with a company, they’re usually not bashful about letting others know. Look at both the good and bad reviews to get an idea of how the contractor interacts with their customers and the kind of service they provide. It’s always best to look at reviews or testimonials on their social media pages, not on their website. Companies can pick and choose which reviews to showcase on their websites, so of course, they are going to pick the good ones. On social media, they are not able to delete bad reviews for no reason, so they give you a clear picture of what kind of company you are potentially about to work with. Of course, use your best judgment when reading reviews. Try to decipher if a negative review is a true reflection of the company or just a disgruntled consumer with an ax to grind.
Word of Mouth
Beyond reviews on the internet, start just asking around. If you have friends, family members, neighbors, or colleagues who have recently gone through a kitchen remodel ask them who they used and what their experience was like. They’re sure to tell you the truth about what went well and what went wrong during the process. They might even have tips and tricks for you on how to make the process go smoothly. They might even have other suggestions for a contractor that they didn’t end up using but they wish they did. Talking through options with real-life people can be a great way to do some boots-on-the-ground research for your kitchen remodel.
References
Most contractors will have a list of prior customers who you can speak with to gather references and testimonials. If the contractor refuses to provide a list, this may be a red flag. The list they do provide will of course be customers who had a good experience so when talking to them make sure to ask lots of questions beyond just “how was your experience?” Ask specific questions about the contractor’s process, sub-contractors, communication, efficiency, workmanship, professionality, etc. If there are certain things that are important to you, ask about those things so you have as clear of a picture as possible before you decide which company to go with.
A kitchen remodel is a big investment, so it is important to know that your money is being well spent and that you have a good experience along the way. Our goal at Kitchen Solvers is that hopefully, by the end of your remodel, you will be the one writing a positive review on social media or sharing with a neighbor about how great your contractor was. We know our reputation matters so we do our best to make sure you have a pleasant remodeling experience. If you don’t, let us know so we can improve and make the next customer’s experience better; we are always trying to improve and serve our communities better.
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