The home, typically a place of peace, can trigger some anxiety when it is time for extensive repairs. The anxiety many homeowners feel about this topic stem from thoughts of deceitful service professionals, fair treatment and whether the job they need done will be done correctly the first time. Choosing a contractor can be quite a daunting task, especially without a reference point. This article outlines some things homeowners should look for when hiring home service professionals.

Homeowners place a value system on an experience or process when shopping for various items. These value systems vary depending on how a product is perceived. So, without enough information, an individual may view a price from a service professional as the primary value, but is the price the only or best reference point?

To illustrate this, imagine shopping for sprinkler maintenance. Only two service providers were called, and they have very different price points for a similar task. One contractor is more expensive, but they have a nice website, trained customer service representatives to answer the phone, their trucks are wrapped with company branding, they have programs like customer satisfaction, and they pay dues to the local chamber of commerce to support the local economy. This contractor will be more expensive than a sole proprietor would be, and if things are incorrect, a customer would have confidence that the contractor will return to make things right.

In comparison, a contractor that does not have this kind of infrastructure may not be able to provide the level of service that you deserve, and they may not have the ability to make things right should things not go as planned. A homeowner may likely pay twice for the same service.

The key point here is that a cheaper upfront cost is not always better.

All Contactors Are Not Created Equal

When boarding a plane for a vacation, most travelers have little doubt that the pilot is qualified to operate the plane. The knowledge that the pilot has been trained adequately and that they have experience is, generally, taken for granted. When it comes to home services professionals, there are no clear standards. Various industries are not regulated, so all contractors are not created equal.

A specialty trade contractor in some areas does not need a license, and in some areas, there can be little to no oversight on their quality of work being performed. If a contractor does a lousy job, often the customer has to find another service provider to resolve the problem. Homeowners should look for service companies with techs that have voluntary certifications. Suppose a trade contractor invests the time to seek voluntary trade certifications. In that case, they commit to doing things the right way as they invest their time and resources into education. This commitment to quality through voluntary certifications can offer a sense of security and trust in the contractor's work.

A recent article posted by Travelers Insurance provides additional sound and practical advice that includes finding licensed professionals, checking their past work, taking proper time to review contractors including checking their insurance and bonding, and getting all project details in writing.

Guidance on Choice

When hiring contractors, the most crucial step is to follow these guidelines to make the best choice. Referrals are paramount. If a neighbor or family member has had a great experience with a trade contractor, it often translates to an excellent experience for another homeowner. This is among the first things to consider because a service professional values customer relationships. If the quality of work is substandard, they may not only lose one customer but multiple. It is in a contractor's best interest to deliver on their promises.

Online reputation is a powerful tool for vetting contractors. Examine the potential online contractor's Google business listing and verify their positive reviews. A legitimate contractor will have both positive and negative reviews. Pay particular attention to the negative reviews. Of course, no service provider is perfect, and there will always be some negative feedback online. Did the contractor miss an appointment? Did they leave the house in a mess? Did the customer complain about something more serious, like smells of alcohol or recreational drug use?

Determine if the negative reviews are deal-breakers. Also, how the contractor responded to the negative feedback should be scrutinized. Did they apologize and take accountability? Did they offer to make it right? Were they dismissive and rude in their response? A well-meaning service provider values customers and will strive to make things right for them. Consider their response to the negative feedback as you plan to do business with a service provider.

Home repairs are expensive and can cause a lot of anxiety. Homeowners can make the process easier by selecting a qualified contractor trained to handle their problem. As contractors deliver on their word, it is important for a homeowner to establish a long-term relationship. This helps to ensure that any experience with them will only improve, and the homeowner will be well-cared for when they are in a time of need.