Most of us know someone who’s gone through a renovation nightmare.
Whether it’s from a family member, a friend, or sometimes from our own experience, there are way too many stories of horrible remodeling experiences.
Let’s face it; the construction industry doesn’t have the best reputation. People don’t trust the system…and for good reason. Some statistics show 30% of all contractors go out of business every year! Imagine if 10 of your neighbors were doing a renovation, and 3 of their contractors went out of business. Hopefully they’d be able to finish the job, but more often than not, the contractor just runs out of money and abandons the project altogether; all leading to yet one more negative remodeling story.
Have you ever wondered why?
It usually starts with trying to fit a round peg into a square hole. When there’s a mis-alignment between your preferred approach to renovating and the type of service a contractor can actually provide, things usually don’t end well.
For example, if you’re someone who doesn’t have the time, experience, or inclination (or just dislikes) managing all the little details, or you prefer to have expert guidance every step of the way through the process, a handyman or basic general contractor is most likely not the best fit for you renovation.
On the other hand, if you have a good design sense of what you like and get a thrill from searching the internet for the best deal on tile, flooring, cabinetry, etc., a full-service design/build firm may be more than you need.
It’s kind of like dating. Matching yourself up with the best fit for your personality, approach, and your project, and doing this introspective work in the beginning will go a long way to ensure you have a great experience.
Check out our “Ways to Renovate” page to see what approach best fits your needs!
What type of homeowner are you?