Contrary to the common practice, we do not provide “free estimates” for your remodeling project. Why? Because we’re not just here to build houses; we’re here to build trusted relationships. We know new construction and remodeling projects are a significant investment for homeowners. As such, we take our role in the process seriously. When you select the Kraft team, we want it to be because you value our partnership and the experience we bring to the table. We want you to trust us to accomplish your dream and know that we will respect you and your home throughout the process. Most importantly, we want our collaboration to be the right fit. This means through thoughtful discussions, we will understand your vision, goals, and budget, and you will feel confident in our process and timeline. We believe that selecting a contractor should rely on more than just an arbitrary number thrown out after one meeting.
A free estimate is free because there is little invested on either side. Homeowners like the sound of a lower number to get what they want, and some contractors like to tell homeowners what they want to hear to secure the job. More often than not, the project price will increase beyond the estimate. Our goal is to be upfront and honest with you from the start and give you a price we can stand behind. That is why we want to share this article, Buyer Beware, to bring light to some of the games that are played within the contracting world.
The following article by Joan Stephens, a Certified Remodeler and the co-owner of Crossroads ABC, LLC, highlights integrity in the construction process. She challenges contractors to be the trusted remodeling partners homeowners deserve. As homeowners, you will see some of the cost and quality surprises that can arise when you fixate on the team with the lower price estimate vs. selecting a reputable contractor you can trust.
Buyer Beware
by Joan Stephens, C.R.
Looking carefully at the photo above, you will notice why most consumers have a bad experience with remodeling and building contractors. You see, most projects start as an idea, and through the construction process, the reality is far different from the original concept. The gap between the initial idea and the final reality is made up in “Change Orders.” That is why the “Dinghy” is named “Original Contract” and the yacht is named “Change Order.”
The motive is usually not as blatant as the photo above would infer, most contractors lack a process to avoid this outcome, and frankly, they would tell a homeowner what they want to hear, not the reality. After all, if they told you how much it would cost, would you hire them?
Do not be that contractor. Have the courage to paint the picture of the actual investment required for a quality remodeling project upfront. Bonus points if you help your clients avoid the manipulative traps that unscrupulous contractors may use to “close an ‘Original Contract’” so they can buy their yacht.
As you meet with your clients to help them make wise decisions in remodeling their homes, share with them the tactics businesses use that sacrifice quality and timeliness to get the job. Most buyers are unaware of the games played in the contracting world. It is your job as their trusted advisor to help them see problems they may not be aware of until it is too late.
The first tactic we see is to cut corners. This usually happens when a contractor uses an untested or underqualified subcontractor. A cheaper bid from a subcontractor is sought out and accepted to get the price down. The next area where corners are cut is the rates paid to artisans or carpenters. We all would agree that “you get what you pay for,” and you, as professionals, have hired the best, and you pay them well. Sometimes companies sacrifice speed for thoroughness and pass it off as “industry standards.” The industry slang is “trash and flash.” We also see corners cut when lower qualified laborers overlook issues and problems during construction and determine, “this is good enough for who it’s for.”
The next area we see a significant price disparity is in omissions. Some businesses will intentionally leave loopholes of unclear specifications and drawings. They hope to blame the architect or designer for being unclear and charging more in a change order when the actual intentions are brought to light during construction. At this point, the homeowner is emotionally involved in the project and has reached the point of no return. They can’t turn back and stop the project, nor can they fight the expertise of the contractor who demonstrates the omission. Encourage your clients to develop a relationship with a firm they can trust who knows this game and will not take advantage of them. Other omissions occur when subcontractors fail to pay careful attention to the plan’s details, and as the project gets underway, they realize it is “underbid.” To keep from losing money, they compromise quality and overlook problems, putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound. If the contractor is not actively involved in quality control, sub-parr work gets covered, and no one knows until there is an expensive failure.
The most troubling omission occurs when the design integrity is compromised because the contractor or subcontractor did not pay attention to the unique details that go into a truly quality product. To get it done “on time and budget,” they will convince the homeowner that doing it differently will look just as good and save them money. Often the designer is no longer involved and cannot fight to preserve the integrity of the design. Do not let this happen to your clients.
The final disparity we see in prices involves timeliness. Projects that drag on always cost more. That cost is inevitably passed on to the homeowners through change orders or unanticipated expenses outside the project’s scope. The most significant toll is placed on a family when their project takes too long and stress mounts within the home. Ensure your projects are tightly scheduled and closely monitored to minimize the emotional distress your clients feel during the remodeling project.
As remodeling contractors, we are in a position to be a trusted advisor to our clients. What we do for them and their families is an honor. Knowing how risky remodeling can be, we owe it to our clients and ourselves to do everything we can to help them make the wise decision of using someone they can trust for their project. Don’t let yourself be disqualified because your prices are higher. Work hard to help your clients see the difference between you and your competitors. Their decision will be simple when they see what you will do for them.
A contractor you can trust
You can trust that Kraft Custom Construction prioritizes your best interest and your overall satisfaction throughout the project process, from start to finish. As we mentioned earlier, we are not just here to build houses; we’re here to build relationships. We are a team of experienced professionals who always look out for your best interest. We hope this article helps guide you as you decide on the right contractor for your next project. Give us a call to learn more or discuss your specific project needs.
