We live in a time where research is as simple as “Googling.” Quite literally, if you have a questions or you are researching a big project or investment, Google.com is your friend! Let’s say you are in the process of a home renovation, where would you start? I recommend you use the tools that are available and online. Why not? Do you remember the days when research started with the listings in the Yellow pages, perhaps many phone calls and definitively checking with your friends for recommendations or referrals?
Let’s look at this from the perspective of the contractor you will be hiring. According to Mobile Marketer, 68% of homeowners believe part of their house is in need of renovation. If you were a contractor, wouldn’t you want a piece of that business? If you are one of those homeowners, what is your reaction when you don’t find a contractor on Angie’s list, in the Houzz “Pro” listings or even in Google Maps? I would be concerned. If you are researching who to use for your major project or renovation, those things need to be on your checklist. As a home owner doing a renovation or a property owner who is looking to resell your upgraded location, what factors do you take into account?
Below is a recommended starter “checklist” of things to consider when researching contractors:
- Define the scope of your project and thus the specialty contractor you need (example: Kitchen renovation)
- Check with friends who have recently done a similar project
- Google the names of contractors you received
- Check Houzz “Pro” listings – find success stories
- Consult Home Advisors – does the contractor have a listing?
- Need more information – consider joining Angie’s list (there may be fees)
- In any case where Ratings & Reviews are offered, start with contractors who have the most and the highest ratings!
If I may, allow me to recommend perhaps the easiest mobile application to use – and it is free! Houzz.com, which is available online as well as a mobile app, is the quickest and easiest way to narrow down your options. With over 800K specialists in their network, they have developed some tools to help you hone in on a short list. Let’s say you are in the market for a Kitchen Renovation Contractor. Simply log into the Houzz application and go to the Pros listings. Next select your city and state as well as the distance you want to search (example: within 25 miles).Then, I recommend you select the “most reviews” option within “sort by.” The contractors meeting your criteria will naturally float to the top of your search results. You are ready to start your research!!
In summary, with all of the available online tools – most of which are free, why spend the time otherwise? To me, any contractor who is not in the online game is at the risk of not being noticed. What would cause you to spend the additional time and effort to find them otherwise?
Quick update on the lake house remodel – my husband is hard at work building out the “bunk house.” My plan is to feature the progress pictures next time! Meanwhile, many of you have asked to see pictures of the house itself. Therefore, I am including the slideshow of the house (interior and exterior) when we bought it. Enjoy the tour and let me know your thoughts and ideas about our “Fixer Upper” in the comments below! Click to see – Lake House Photos
lakehousereno 
This blog reminded of a T.V show that I normally watch, Catch a Contractor. I am not sure if you have heard of it but, its basically people catching bad contractors in the act. Knowing which person to choose for a project is crucial especially when there is a lot of money involved. You make a good point that with social media and different mobile apps, it makes the trust factor that much easier.
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Thanks for that idea. I have not heard of that T.V. show. Exactly, same concept. I would add, if you work with a contractor and have a good or not so good experience, you now have many online places you can enter ratings & reviews!
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Great Blog! I am a home-reno junkie. I love a project and love the options you gave. Your statement, “To me, any contractor who is not in the online game is at the risk of not being noticed. What would cause you to spend the additional time and effort to find them otherwise”, is very profound. I work with so many small businesses that just simply don’t have the time. They are busy doing the reno work. So very important for them to see the need to be noticed.
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Thank you. Interestingly enough, I believe many large businesses also don’t have the time or don’t understand the value proposition of spending the time to have an online presence. The key for all businesses, regardless of the size, is their existing and potential customers are online looking for the products and services that they sell.
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Social media is definitely a great way to get recommendations on who to hire for projects. In the brokerage firm that I recently joined, the realtors within the firm are constantly asking each other on the company’s Facebook page for recommendations for appraisers, contractors for specific projects and in certain areas, home inspectors, etc. and in turn everyone is very willing to share their recommendations. Receiving recommendations from people or seeing positive ratings and reviews gives one a sense of ease as opposed to blindly choosing someone in the phone book and hoping it works out.
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Brokers have a heavy influence in this area. I have many friends who are realtors and yes, they consider it part of their “customer service” to help new home owners connect with reputable contractors and service providers. Social media adds that extra layer of confidence upon those recommendations!
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As usual, I really enjoyed the content of your post. As a consumer, I know how important it has become to get recommendations from reputable businesses. It’s a shame that many of these contractors don’t seem to have the time, but I gather if they are that busy it may not be hurting business TOO much! Great work! Thanks!
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Thank you for your continued engagement. Many contractors are small businesses. As you may know, that means the owner(s) already wear many hats in terms of delivering service (in this case running many jobs simultaneously) while managing the actual business. Traditionally marketing has not been a big part of how they go-to-market. My opinion is – it is simply a matter of time before contractors start participating in larger numbers.
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