Every industry has someone who ruins it for everyone else. Kitchen renovation and remodeling are no exception. Even if you use services like HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List, Porch, or Thumbtack, it doesn’t mean you won’t become a victim. While the majority of these sites (and the reviews) are genuine, we warn homeowners to be careful of suspicious behavior. Here are five ways to spot a potentially dishonest kitchen remodeler.
No Social Media Presence or Website
When remodeling your kitchen, you should engage with a firm that has a website and a social media presence. Why? Because others have most likely used their services. Websites and social media platforms may also provide price breakdowns, contact information, reviews, project images, deals, and other information. If the kitchen remodeler you’re considering doesn’t have these two items, they might not be as reliable as you believe. Valor Home Services has a website as well as a social media presence where you can browse projects, offers, reviews, services, updates, news, and other information.
No Past Project Photos
When working with a kitchen contractor, you should look at previous project images and reviews to determine whether your needs and desires match their level of work. Typically, old project photographs may be found on their website, social media, or even Google. If there are no project images on any of their platforms, we recommend moving on to the next firm.
Finding reviews on sites like Angie’s List, Google, or HomeAdvisor might be useful, but it can be difficult to determine whether the reviews are real. This is when your social network might come in handy. Request recommendations on Facebook, from your neighbors, or via NextDoor. It is helpful to chat with people who have interacted with these kitchen companies firsthand and can offer you an honest critique. You may discover prior project photographs on all of Valor Home Services‘ social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest), as well as past client evaluations on Google, social media, and our website under Customer Reviews.
Not Licensed, Insured or Bonded
Work licenses, like building permits, are a must when it comes to kitchen remodeling or any other project. Licenses demonstrate that the contractor has extensive experience and will know what to do if difficulties arise. These licenses must be renewed on a regular basis and frequently need the contractor to pass tests and stay current on industry advancements.
If your contractor lacks adequate liability insurance, bonding, or worker’s compensation coverage, you open yourself up to a plethora of issues. What if they do damage to your or your neighbor’s property? What happens if one of their employees is injured while working in your kitchen? What are your options if their work falls short? If you do not have enough insurance, you may be held liable in any of the aforementioned situations. To be cautious, double-check your contractor’s insurance status. Valor Home Services has all three to provide you (and our staff) peace of mind throughout every assignment.
Poor Communication
The best home renovation firms believe in constant, seamless communication from the beginning. They do this to save time, avoid confusion, and keep their clientele informed. A solid working relationship between the contractor and the customer is the foundation of the majority (if not all) of successful kitchen renovation projects. This form of strong bond is frequently the outcome of clear communication.
If the kitchen contractor is hesitant to establish open lines of communication, this is a significant red flag. If they do not recommend daily or even weekly check-ins, start re-evaluating their status as potential partners. Meanwhile, if they are unable to answer simple questions regarding the timeline, cost, refurbishment plan, or budget, it is best to move on to the next candidate. The best kitchen renovation contractors embrace total transparency. They recognize that without it, they would be unable to turn your concept into a reality. Avoid contractors who are evasive and vague—they nearly always have something to hide. Better communication is one of Valor Home Services‘ three commitments. We want and will be open and honest with you from the minute you contact us.
No Contracts
Many construction companies depend on verbal agreements or even estimates as enforceable contracts, which are not the same thing. The goal of a contract is to protect both parties’ mutual interests if something goes wrong. We urge that you enquire as to why a kitchen contractor never offers a contract. Why would you avoid a contract for a kitchen renovation project, which is often a significant financial investment? The presence of a contract implies professionalism and accountability. Firms that “don’t believe in that type of stuff” should be avoided. Valor Home Services, on the other hand, believes in contracts. We will sit down with you and go over a contract that we both agree on before we begin work on your project. We will begin work after everything has been authorized and signed.
In general, the best remodeling contractors will go above and above to accommodate you. This entails doing all necessary to put your mind at ease. Remodeling contractors who go above and above to earn your trust and provide you with all of the resources you want for background checks are likely to have nothing to hide. And that is precisely what Valor Home Services provides for each and every client. We understand that kitchen remodels are stressful, time-consuming, and costly, which is why our primary objective is to give you a stress-free experience. Give our staff a call now if you’re ready for your next kitchen remodel.
