Contractors have the 2nd most consumer complaints in the US...
The #1 offender is car dealerships which have much more transactions than contractors, so per transaction contractors have more complaints than used car dealerships!
I don’t know of any other industry where it’s easier for a business to raise the price on a homeowner than remodeling.
Remodeling is already intimidating for homeowners without having more contractor nightmares to deal with.
Everyone’s busy but spending a little bit of time on this can save you countless hours of extra work, a ton of stress, and a lot of your money not wasted.
If you’re not willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes researching a contractor, then you’re likely destined to have issues and be one of the above statistics.
Here's the top reasons for consumer complaints against contractors:
Choosing the lowest bid is enticing but it’s one of the main reasons homeowners have nightmares with contractors
Here’s another way to look at it:
So WHY pick the cheapest remodel contractor?
We are often the one homeowners contact after they’ve had an issue with another contractor. We get a lot of callbacks for shoddy workmanship, remodelers taking money without finishing the work, and several other common contractor issues.
Most contractors will not touch a project that is partially done by another contractor. Most of them will require demoing and starting over depending on what type of project it is like a shower because of liability. Most of the good contractors are too busy and just won’t take a job that’s partially completed.
This is one of main reasons contractors 2nd most US consumer complaints.
We DO NOT Underbid Like Some Phoenix Contractors
We hired an employee that worked for this company and explained how it is an actual defined process to purposely keep the quote low at the time of contract signing to then have the Project Manager get paid more to raise it on the homeowner.
You could be an attorney and yell at or threaten the contractor all you want, but if you don’t pay them the extra amount you are in breach of contract and they can walk off your job or put a lien on your house.
We do the design-build business model where you pay us for the feasibility, planning, & design package first. Once everything has been planned out and all design items have been chosen, we can provide the actual price so you don’t have a bad surprise later on.
This process is great because you can make adjustments so you can balance your wallet with your wishlist before you get to the construction phase.
You then choose if you want to work with us for the construction phase so it gives the homeowner much more control. This process also makes sure we are a good fit for one another before doing the construction phase.
Here Is Why Our Remodel Proposal May Seem Higher
We don’t participate in the common industry practice of low balling to get your business. We would rather lose a few job opportunities than unethically low ball a homeowner.
The #1 complaint by consumers is the remodel company increased the price significantly on the homeowner.
I completely understand how a lower proposal amount can be attractive. Our proposals include all allowance selection items, labor, materials and a Project Manager.
We use special software so that way we don’t forget items like many contractors do. Many remodel companies use excel which is not a good way for estimating, and it causes you to have to pay more as the project starts.
Check out the 3rd video on this page about how many contractors estimate and how they have to ask for more money verses how our software prevents that: https://phxhomeremodeling.com/about-phoenix-home-remodeling/
(The first video on that page may be worth checking out too because it discusses how I had issues picking the less expensive proposal, other contractor issues, why we started the business, why I won’t let that happen to anyone and why working with us will be less stressful.)
One thing I know with us is you will have less issues to deal with compared to other contractors. (Project going several weeks longer than planned, house not kept clean, price going up for obvious items that shouldn’t have, hard to communicate with/get a hold of, etc)
It’s better not hearing about it from me but our clients through Google:
https://goo.gl/maps/UGh4hJ6qPcE2
We get a lot of calls to fix other contractors work. And a lot of times we have to redo all of it so they have to pay for the remodel twice.
Phoenix Home Remodeling is the most organized, process-oriented, and tech savvy home remodel company in the southeast valley.
We will be your respectful, responsive, and trustworthy partner in creating the dream space you have always wanted and love sharing with your friends, family & neighbors.
Homeowners don’t remodel often, so they don't know all of the questions to ask and ways to evaluate contractors
The challenge is most homeowners don’t remodel often and don’t know what to look out for.
So the 2 main things they know to ask and look out for are “How much will it cost?” and “how long will it take?”
Many homeowners haven’t remodeled often and don’t realize the horrible experiences most remodel contractors create for homeowner. Some homeowners don’t realize how serious remodeling is.
This is why we provide a ton of resources for homeowners to help out regardless if they choose us.
Here are several resources to reduce your chance of being one of the statistics:
Scorecard To Easily Evaluate & Grade Contractors
You probably don't want to work with a contractor who isn't "A" level. Download our free scorecard.
Design Build VS General Contractor
Design-Build model gives the homeowner control and drastically reduces stress and bad surprises.
Vital Software Your Contractor Has To Use
This software is vital to ensure your remodel isn't a disaster, such as costs and timelines drastically increased.
Our Client's Frequently Asked Questions
The Top FAQ's on researching companies, the remodel process, financials, and more.
Vital Questions You Have To Ask Remodeling Companies
Not asking these questions will increase your chance of having terrible contractor issues.
Avoiding The Wrong Contractors
Article outlining the questions to ask a contractor to avoid the common nightmares & stress.
Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculators
Use these remodel calculators to fine-tune what you want to accomplish and how much it may cost.
Homeowner Remodel Financing Options
This provides the pros & cons of each remodel financing option available for homeowners.
Bathroom Remodel Tips and Advice
If you are considering a bathroom remodel, you will definitely need to check out this article.
Contractors 2nd Most Consumer Complaints
Why contractors have the 2nd most consumer complaints and how to avoid being a statistic.
Riskiest Home Remodel - Shower Remodel Process
Homeowners are surprised by how much work goes into showers, and how costly 1 mistake can be.
Fun & Functional Storage Options
There are many great ways to improve storage inside your cabinets to drastically improve the functionality.
Homeowner Buying Guide For Flooring
There are so many options for flooring nowadays. This page shows the pros & cons of each flooring option.
Cabinet Buying Guide For Homeowners
If you buy bad cabinets, they won't last long and you'll have to redo the remodel down the road.
Not reviewing those resources will increase your chance of issues which costs you more money, a ton of stress and more time dealing with all of the issues.
