Contracting Criteria
Shedding Light on a Statewide Problem
MURRYSVILLE, PA – Did you know that the home improvement industry has a higher level of customer complaints than any other industry? Qualified Remodeler, a well-known industry magazine, annually surveys homeowners who recently purchased a home improvement project. This year’s results were a repeat of the discouraging survey results of previous years, finding that over 50% of consumers would not hire the same contractor to do any additional work on their home. The same study revealed that less than 50% of consumers would recommend the contractor who did work on their home to anyone.
Many of the states in this nationwide study currently have some type of contractor licensing or certification. The percentages of consumers who would not hire or recommend the same contractor were even higher in those states that have no such requirements. Steven Rennekamp, a member of the board of directors for CCN and President of Energy Swing Windows in Murrysville says, “Unlike all of the states surrounding it, Pennsylvania has no criteria for a contractor. Pennysvania does not even require a contractor to be insured and bonded. Basically, all it takes to call yourself a contractor is a hammer.” As a result, the level of dissatisfaction with contractors in Pennsylvania is approaching 70%, which means that you have only a three in ten chance of picking a reliable contractor - not very good odds.
While product education is important, it is even more important to have a thorough understanding of the people with whom you are placing your trust. Don’t let your education come from a bad experience. You need to be sure that your expectations are clearly defined and confirmed in writing. Make sure that your contractor has the type and amount of insurance coverage you need, because your homeowner’s insurance won’t protect you. It’s your money.
You deserve to have real peace of mind before, during, and after the completion of your work.
These are only a few of the things you need to know before selecting a contractor to work on your home, but there are at least a dozen questions you should ask contractors before you sign any paperwork. The Better Business Bureau and Certified Contractor’s Network are great starting points for research.
Energy Swing Windows, Inc. is a single-source solution to homeowners’ window and entry door problems. ESW has patented a window that swings in as opposed to tilting for easy cleaning. They custom manufacture, install, and guarantee all of their products. For more information, call 724.387.2991 or visit www.energyswingwindows.com.
