Contractors have the 2nd most consumer complaints in the US...

Article: https://www.remodeling.hw.net/business/remodelers-rank-second-in-consumer-complaints-for-second-consecutive-year_o

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:

  • Remodeling companies are notorious for increasing the price on homeowners once they have them locked into a contract or have completed the demolition phase. Here are some of the main reasons this happens:
  • The remodeling company means well but they underestimated the project from the start and they have to find a reason to increase the cost on you. This is often due to them not using a pricing software with a price catalog to ensure all items are included.
  • The remodeling contractor didn’t take the time to get all of the information from you to estimate the project properly and will be telling you that wasn’t included in the scope of work, hence adding thousands of dollars to the project.
  • The remodeling company purposely low balled the offer to get you in the door and then they raise the price.
  • The remodeling company is unorganized and they don’t know how to price the job.
  • They don’t use pricing software which means when they realize how much it costs they increase the price. This is so common that many homeowners just expect it now and remodelers just think it’s the way it has to be.
  • The scary part is if you don’t give the contractor more money they will walk away. This is unfortunately more common in this industry than any other industry.
  • Shoddy workmanship was another reason for so many consumer complaints. The challenge is some contractors talk a good game, but don't do what they say they will.
  • We get a ton of call backs from other contractors mistakes and issues.
  • The challenge is several types of projects like showers have to be completely gutted and redone in a specific way to ensure no quality issues like leaks or cracks. This means the homeowner has to pay the cost of 2 remodels because the first one has to be redone.
  • The contractor doesn't communicate well with the homeowner and the homeowner doesn’t know whats happening or when project stages will be completed.
  • It is very stressful to get a contractor that is too busy or doesn't have a dedicated Project Manager to constantly communicate with the homeowner. Not knowing when or even IF your project will be completed is a huge stress homeowners shouldn't have to go through.
  • Contractors don’t finish the project and leave the homeowner stuck with the a bill and an unfinished home that they then have to find another contractor and try to get their money back from the original contractors.
  • Unfortunately sometimes contractors do not finish the remodel project and leave the homeowner in a very tough position.  If you don't think it is common, do a google search like this one.
  • People don’t remodel often. In my experience, some homeowners don’t take the remodeling and construction part as serious as they should. 
  • That is one of the reasons we get a lot of callbacks - the homeowner didn’t know what questions to ask the contractor to evaluate them properly. Here is a list of important questions to ask a home remodel contractor

  • If you don't ask all of the questions in that link above, you are increasing your chance of being one of the statistics of someone who had a consumer complaint against a contractor.
  • The remodeling company is not licensed, bonded or insured. If they don’t care about protecting themselves and their business from lawsuits, insurance issues, etc, will they care about your home or remodel project? 
  • If they aren't licensed, bonded and insured, the risk is actually on the homeowner, just as much if not more than it is on the contractor. 
  • Make sure to check their contractor license number on the ROC's website: https://roc.az.gov
  • The remodeling contractor is doing the work just one or 2 people and it will take them 2-3 times as long to complete the project, while increasing the price on you.
  • It's great to work with a small local business.  I'm a big fan of hiring local whenever possible, such as our company.  If they are only going to have one or 2 people working on your project, depending on the size, it could drastically increase the amount of time it takes for them to finish.
  • If the company is really small there is a chance they are cutting corners often unknowingly, and those shortcuts almost always hurt the homeowner and rarely the contractor.

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:

  • You don't pick the cheapest car...
  • You don't pick the cheapest house... 
  • You don't pick the cheapest surgeon...
  • You don’t pick the cheapest vacation...
  • You don't pick the cheapest education...

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

There is a large well-known remodeling company in Phoenix that purposely underbids to win the business and then their project managers are paid commission to do change orders to raise the price on homeowners.

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 everything included.

We use special pricing 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.

This resource explains why it is vital your contractor uses pricing software and construction specific project management software.


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. We have to redo all many aspects of a remodel so the homeowner has 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.

What Your Neighbors Are Saying

"Easy to work with this team. I've worked with many contractors over the years and I must say this is the first time I've ever really been impressed.

They showed up daily on time, worked hard the whole time they were there, listened to what we wanted, did an awesome job, completed on time as promised, fairly priced and cleaned up their job site daily.

Would definitely recommend and will use them again if needed.  Thanks to Jeremy for reaching out to my request, and thanks to Mark and Ben for helping us create our dream shower!!"

Dawn | 2018

"I recently had Phoenix Home Remodeling complete renovations in both my master,  (2) guest bathrooms, kitchen, and entertainment wall in my home. I can’t tell you how happy I am with the results!! 

The process they set in place and communication on a daily basis made the entire project so much easier than expected.

The use of BuilderTrend software helped to keep me on budget and communication between the team and myself seamless. The team of employees were amazing to work with; especially given this was my first time remodeling a home.

The work and amount of care for my home, lifestyle (we lived in the house during the construction), and quality of work was evident from day one until completion. I would highly recommend this company to anyone who is in need of a home project or upgrades.

I am pleased beyond measure with my newly updated home and cannot thank Phoenix Home Remodeling enough for their time, effort, and personalization they put into making this project well worth the investment. Thank you PHR!!"

Julie | 2020

As a commercial contractor my experience with residential contractors has been less than stellar so I am generally jaded towards them. These folks are not like residential contractors.

These guys have a good business model in my opinion and do excellent work!

On time, reasonably priced, and quality installation.

Our first remodel and largest expense outside of the home or auto purchase and they made it as easy as possible for us. If you can wait for this team to do your remodel you will not be sorry.

Colin | 2019

"We recently used Phoenix Home Remodeling to remodel our early 2000’s Kitchen.

The process was very easy and we enjoyed getting to know the team that came to do the work!

We appreciated the straightforward approach to the overall plan, expectations, timing, and cost.

This is a local to Ahwatukee company which was very reassuring that these folks not only work but live in this community with their name on the line.

Communication was seamless and the work was exactly what we wanted!  We will definitely use them again for future work and highly recommend them.

Thanks for a great experience, and fantastic results!"

Maggie | 2021

Click here to see 60+ homeowner reviews from 3rd party websites

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.

Download Scorecard

Design Build VS General Contractor

Design-Build model gives the homeowner control and drastically reduces stress and bad surprises.

Learn About Design-Build

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.

See Why This is Vital

Our Client's Frequently Asked Questions

The Top FAQ's on researching companies, the remodel process, financials, and more.

View FAQs

Vital Questions You Have To Ask Remodeling Companies

Not asking these questions will increase your chance of having terrible contractor issues.

View Questions To Ask

Avoiding The Wrong Contractors

Article outlining the questions to ask a contractor to avoid the common nightmares & stress.

View Article

Kitchen & Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculators

Use these remodel calculators to fine-tune what you want to accomplish and how much it may cost.

Use Our Calculators

Homeowner Remodel Financing Options

This provides the pros & cons of each remodel financing option available for homeowners.

View Finance Options

Bathroom Remodel Tips and Advice

If you are considering a bathroom remodel, you will definitely need to check out this article.

Bathroom Remodel Tips

Contractors 2nd Most Consumer Complaints

Why contractors have the 2nd most consumer complaints and how to avoid being a statistic.

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.

Shower Remodel Process

Fun & Functional Storage Options

There are many great ways to improve storage inside your cabinets to drastically improve the functionality.

Storage Options

Homeowner Buying Guide For Flooring

There are so many options for flooring nowadays.  This page shows the pros & cons of each flooring option.

Flooring Buying Guide

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.

Cabinet Guide

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.