3 Simple Steps to Finding a Trustworthy Home Improvement Contractor

With the end of the year upon us, you might be experiencing some “new year, new home” feelings. We get it - it happens to the best of us! Home improvement projects are exciting, yet it can quickly go downhill if you do not choose the right contractor for the job. Ensuring you choose a trustworthy, experienced and knowledgeable contractor with a proven record of reliability and professionalism will make sure your project is delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest possible standard. It will also make the process as seamless, smooth and enjoyable as possible. Unfortunately, not every contractor is A+ quality – but how can you weed out the good ones from the bad?

While there are never any guarantees, there are steps you can take to protect your home and yourself by doing everything possible to choose a home improvement contractor that is reliable and trustworthy.  Trust and communication are vital when it comes to doing any kind of home improvement. Just ask Stacie and Brian from Lovettsville, Virginia. They were impressed with WoW’s communication and courtesy every step of the way. They were also incredibly pleased with our installer, Young. Here’s what they said:

 “I’m very impressed with the communication and courtesy I received from every person I spoke with at WoW. This was a great experience. We will definitely call WoW with any other door or window needs we have. It was great to have a sense of trust in the project from the beginning and not have that change throughout the process.” 

So without further ado, here is WoW’s 3 step guide to finding a trustworthy home improvement contractor.

1. Read Online Client Reviews

One of the easiest ways to find a trustworthy home improvement contractor is by having a look at their past client reviews. A contractor’s previous clients can offer you a wealth of in-depth and independent  reviews of their trustworthiness, dependability and professionalism. Most contractors will have recent client testimonial pages on their website, but you can also look at third-party review sites like Angie’s List, Yelp!, Houzz, Customer Lobby, Home Advisor, Google Reviews and Facebook Reviews. These are often the best sources for honest reviews as they cannot be changed or filtered by the contractor.

2. Do Not Fall for the Lowest Bid

More often than not, the price or a good portion of the price reflects the quality of the workmanship. So, while it may be tempting to go for the lowest bid, just remember: you get what you pay for. Of course, it can be tempting to go with the cheapest solution, yet this often leads to more headaches and financial stress in the long run. When receiving quotes from various contractors, request a written description of the materials and make sure you are always comparing apples with apples. Generally, a low bid indicates a contractor is cutting corners somewhere in the pipeline or using sub-par materials. If you think ‘this is too good to be true’ – it probably is.

3. Vet Your Contractor Thoroughly 

Do not be scared to fully vet your contractor. It is certainly okay for you to ask the contractor for more information or request proof to back up any claims they make. Reliable and trustworthy contractors will easily be able to answer the following questions: 

• How many projects similar to mine have you completed in the last year?
• Does my project require a permit?
• What types of insurance do you have? 
• Do you have any work samples or references I can see?
  

It is also worthwhile asking your prospective contractors about any awards or recognition they have received for their home improvement work over the years. If they have received any awards, this is a good sign the contractor is reliable, professional and trustworthy. For example, take a look at all the awards WoW has  won over the years. It is for this very reason our customers continue to use our home improvement services and refer us to their friends.