Avoiding The Excruciating Misery, Frustration And Expense Of A Remodeling Project Gone Awry
"The goal we have at Gugger Home Improvement is to create an environment for complete understanding of the project and the process. We accomplish this by creating a dynamic two-way communication process from beginning to end. Because home improvement projects can be expensive, can engender a great deal of emotion and can be very inconvenient, it’s one of the most important things we do…communicate. An active communication process allows us to be successful in satisfying our customer’s needs."
"We know this because we have worked for many people over and over, sometimes in several different homes. Our customers tell us excellent service has kept them coming back time and time again.”
Jack Gugger, Gugger Home Improvement
Avoiding A Year Or Two Of Misery…
Without good communication on projects having as many moving parts as remodeling projects have, mistakes and major problems can occur. Homeowners asking the right questions can mean the difference between a two month project that goes smoothly with great results or a ‘train wreck’ loaded with misery, frustration and expense.
Jack’s Recipe For Contractor Success
• Tell the truth
• Be prompt
• Do what you say you will do
• Fix what didn’t go well…promptly
• Eliminate “gray areas” by providing real/accurate and very detailed specifications
• Tell homeowners what’s next as the job progresses thus eliminating surprises
• Take care of employees so they are motivated on your job
• Charge a fair price for our service
Finding Your Contractor: Ask Questions!
(Published by the National Association of Remodeling Industry NARI)
According to Jack Gugger of Gugger Home Improvement you should ask the following questions to get the most value from your contractor. If the contractor can’t answer them to your satisfaction and provide a list of past customers for you to speak with, think hard and long before choosing them to work on YOUR home.
1. How long have you been in business?
2. Who will be assigned as project supervisor for the job?
3. What is the time frame for starting the project?
4. What is your approach to a project of this scope?
5. How is your firm organized?
6. Is your company a full service or specialty firm?
7. Do you have design services available?
8. Does your company carry workers compensation and liability insurance?
9. Are any of your company's employees certified?
10. What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
11. Howmany projects like mine have you completed in the past 12 months?
12. Will we need a permit for this project?
13. May I have a list of your suppliers?
14. May I have a list of references for projects you have completed which are similar to mine?
Note: For questions to ask contractor references, just ask Jack.
