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In business, reputation is key, and that’s especially true for professional home improvement contractors. In fact, a new survey by Mosaic found that homeowners consider reputation the most important factor when choosing a contractor. In the age of Yelp, Google reviews and social media, getting word of mouth about a company has never been easier. Therefore, it is more important than ever that your reputation is good.
Whether you’re replacing a faulty HVAC system during the hottest week of the year or attending to some much-needed home renovations, contractors who efficiently meet their customers’ needs can earn repeat business — and reap the benefits of five-star reviews and referrals from friends and neighbors.
It goes without saying that homeowners expect quality work. But there are many other ways contractors can help your business – and your company – stand out from the competition.
Be efficient and stay on schedule
While quality work is important, clients hire contractors who deliver high-quality work efficiently and on time. According to a Mosaic survey, 46% of homeowners rank “staying on schedule” in their criteria for choosing a contractor.
In light of increased inflation and supply chain disruptions, the need to stay within budget has become even more important. But don’t worry too much about what’s out of your control. The majority of homeowners (81%) understand that supply chain issues are not the contractor’s fault.
What you can control is your approach to project management. Find ways to make your business more efficient and stand out from the pack. Whether it’s building strong relationships within your team or with your suppliers, right-sizing your organization, or maintaining and upgrading your equipment, there are countless areas of your business that can be optimized to create a more efficient process.
Listen to project needs and provide solutions accordingly
One of the most frustrating outcomes for both homeowners and contractors is when project details are misunderstood. Time, money, materials and reputation are all on the line if homeowners don’t get what they expect. Although these issues are not the contractor’s fault, the responsibility usually falls on them. Clear communication with your customers is very important. 43 percent of homeowners surveyed agree that clear communication, listening skills, and the ability to provide accurate solutions are top considerations when evaluating contractors.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your own ideas to the table. Sometimes the homeowner doesn’t know what they want or is looking for your input. In many cases, your best course of action is to present the homeowner with a variety of options and explain the pros and cons of each. Rather than telling them what to do, it is better to help them come to a decision that is right for them.
Provide financing options
Whether it’s updating a kitchen, choosing a more energy-efficient HVAC system or repairing a roof, the cost of big projects can make some homeowners wonder if they can afford to go through with them. Alternatively, homeowners can simply go to the contractor who can provide the most affordable way to finance these improvements. In fact, more than a third of homeowners surveyed said having a monthly payment option is important to taking on major projects, with 60 percent ranking it in the top three.
There’s no way to avoid passing on the rising cost of materials to your customers, but you can find ways to work with them to ease the sticker shock. There are third-party financing companies that handle the entire process, from credit checks to payments, so you can focus on what you do best: selling and getting the job done.
Offer environmentally friendly options
As stressful, erratic weather increases, homeowners are looking to make their homes stronger and more durable. This could mean installing more energy-efficient windows, upgrading to a more modern HVAC system, installing solar panels and battery storage systems, or choosing more environmentally friendly materials. Everything from hemp insulation to bamboo flooring are redefining what goes into building or renovating a home, and homeowners are looking to these alternative materials. In fact, 60% of homeowners said it is important to them that contractors provide environmentally friendly options.
In addition to reducing environmental impact, homeowners want to save money, especially with inflation and rising energy costs. Investing in a more energy-efficient home can have long-term savings, solar panels can lower electricity bills and store energy for backup during outages, as well as charging electric vehicles – another fast-growing market.
Demand for environmentally friendly alternatives is only expected to increase. Green certifications are becoming common and act as “organic” labels in product marketing. Therefore, leading with your local credentials can only boost your business.
Ultimately, building a strong reputation as a contractor comes down to doing good work at a reasonable price and on time. While this sounds easy on paper, we all know that sometimes it can be difficult to accomplish each task. That’s why it’s important to go to the source: your customers. Listen to what they want – and do your best to give it to them – to win new and repeat business.
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