“We should have gone with Tradition Outdoor Living!” is something we hear a lot. While going with the cheapest option sounds like a good way to save money when starting a project, you wind up getting what you pay for in the end. When choosing a company to do renovations, smooth talking salesmen that make big promises for unrealistic prices are a red flag. We get calls all the time asking us to come fix problem projects that inexperienced contractors create for unfortunate customers. Most of these people end up spending more money choosing a cheap company to start their project and paying us to come fix it than they would have if they went with Tradition Outdoor Living from the start. In the following paragraphs we will provide some insight on why cheaper isn’t always better and give you tips to help you choose the best contractor for your next project.
Branding
First off, branded companies who are well known have a lot on the line when they build a project. A good name and reputation are vital to the company’s success. These types of companies will not cut corners or walk off on the job as it would ruin their reputation and significantly hurt the company. On the other hand, a no-name contractor has little accountability once things go south. They can easily skip town and leave you with no way to contact them and no way to warn other homeowners about their unprofessional work. This lack of accountability gives them little incentive to produce high quality work.
Quality is important when it comes to backyard renovations. You need something that is not only beautiful but built to last. Getting a legitimate professional company to build a quality product saves homeowners money in the long run when factoring in the cost of repairs and upkeep. In addition, you can’t put a price on the amount of stress and anxiety avoided when you choose somebody you can fully trust to get the job done right the first time. Not to mention a quality addition can also increase the value of your home.
Warranty
Cheap contractors are also unlikely to have any kind of warranty on their work. When things start falling apart in a year or two, it will be on you to fix the problems. These contractors look inexpensive at first but will end up costing you more in the long run.
Inexperienced contractors are often hard to get in touch with. They will avoid your calls and the project will be completed on their timeline, not yours. Our Project Developers pride themselves on being easy to get in contact with. This ensures a smooth building process and allows us to handle any problems that may pop up. We won’t ignore you for days on end, or worse; disappear after the project is only halfway finished (Yes, this is a common occurence).
Some common red flags of inexperienced contractors include:
-not having a professional design
-not securing HOA approval
-not using licensed plumbers and electricians
-not having insurance
-laying the foundation incorrectly
-incorrect post, beam, and rafter sizing
-not matching paint, brick, or shingles.
In Conclusion
Choosing a renovation company or contractor can be a bit overwhelming to think about. Take your time, do your research, and keep these details in mind when choosing your next contractor to set yourself up for minimal worry and maximum success.