What to Look Out for When Hiring Contractors in Raleigh, NC
Searching for reputable contractors to hire in Raleigh can be pretty involved. Contacting qualified contractors and asking the right questions are all part of it. However, customers make business decisions based on their interactions and relationships with people. Therefore, trust is also a considerable part of the process.
Looking at past work and reading reviews helps you see a contractor’s skills and quality. But you can’t be sure that the same craftsmanship and experience will happen if you hire them. Additionally, many companies will pay to hide negative experiences. Customers are often misled by false claims and qualifications on business websites.
Franchises and large companies desperate for an edge will often falsify information. They can exaggerate and over-promise what matters most to their target audience. Local companies in good areas will do anything to outdo their rivals. Some may not see it as malicious. But what does it say about the integrity of the business?
How Many Years in Business
Companies can say almost anything on their website and rarely face consequences. The most common one is how many years they have been in business. Many companies may misrepresent their information. The years of their establishment directly correlate with their level of experience.
This deceitful but easy trick is very effective. However, it is also hard to verify. Most people are not compelled to think or care to verify, and often, the place they search is inaccurate. To find out how long a business has been active, search the articles of incorporation in the Secretary of State database. As helpful as a quick online search can be, Google is not the first place to look for this information.
How Large the Company or Team Is
Clients often ask about crew sizes, which they use to measure a company’s success and abilities. Unfortunately, company and crew sizes are also exaggerated and unverifiable.
It is better to ask for details on completion. Asking about the job’s duration helps ensure it finishes on time. This avoids relying on just one person or having too few workers.
Smearing the Line Between Franchise and Local Business
So, owners with franchises own and operate within a geographic location. However, to us, claiming to be local is more than a location or monetary impact. A local company is a business that grows from the community. It supports and represents the values of local people. Franchises are often started and based in another state.
We are a local grassroots company. The owner has lived here in Raleigh, NC, all his life. From the dream to the desire and service guarantee, it all started right here. In our biased opinion, calling a franchise local is misleading.
Hiring a franchise does not imply that the work will be inferior. Small local businesses are often friendlier and more attentive. They focus on your experience and project needs. The web presence of local, honest companies is dwindling. The rise of franchises and third-party directories like Yelp has led to local companies going out of business.
Claiming to Be A Licensed Contractor
North Carolina does not require a work or trade license for paint contractors. Being a contractor is a loose claim unless they are general contractors or hold a specific trade license.
The Expertise of the Staff
When you hire a contractor, you are often hiring unproven results. However, asking technical questions about specific project details is one of the best ways to judge expertise. But don’t just ask for the answer. Ask why and how they have come to that conclusion. Doing so gives an opportunity for the consultant or estimator to show off how much they really know and understand the service.
Artificially Inflated Amount of Reviews
Most paint companies on the first page of Google here in Raleigh opened between 2012 and 2018. Some have gotten over 1,000 reviews in less than 10 years. That’s more than 100 reviews each year or one 5-star review every 3 days.
Some companies have effective methods for gathering reviews, but many reviews appear to be fake. These are often created to improve their standing on Google Maps. As a result, companies are motivated to continue their unethical practices to alter Google search results. Clients who know about this are starting to put less faith in online reviews, and for good reason.
Unofficial Warranties
Elusive guarantees are another bait tactic used by contractors. Messaging and slogans that promise satisfaction are a good gesture of commitment. However, a written warranty is legally binding. It creates a guaranteed responsibility to ensure the work lasts for a particular duration.
It’s essential to understand the specifics of the work guarantee after completion. The warranty should outline what it covers and specify exactly what is not covered. A detailed warranty will determine what percentage of labor and materials it covers and for how long.
Warranty terms vary by company and industry. However, the terms should be written, presented, and verified before signing a contract or any work begins.
In-House Teams and Sub-Contractors
Employees and subcontractors are tax terms that refer to how an individual is paid. There is nothing wrong with using employees or subcontractors. The most important thing is how long the relationship has been established. The better question is, “How long has your team been working with you?”
Quality and consistency rely on careful management of people, regardless of their pay. Problems occur when companies hire individuals or teams but fail to supervise them.
There is also something to be said about the staff who have been working together for a long time. Teams that have worked together for a long time build expectations and strong relationships. This chemistry leads to a better experience and quality results.
Job Size, Completions, and Performance Limitations
There’s nothing worse than hiring a team for a large project only to discover they lack the staff to complete it on time. In the paint industry, painters are infamous for taking on larger projects than they can handle.
Repairs and other services are often related to painting. Some contractors may say they can do big drywall or wood repairs. But they might not have the right skills or experience. All businesses look for opportunities. But if they take on too much work, it can create problems. Everyone can struggle if the tasks are too difficult or take too long.
Start Date and Availability
As a contractor, hearing a client ask how long it would take or when we can start is always a good sign. It shows interest in our services. If you need a project done by a specific date, ask for the start and end dates in writing. You likely won’t get a guaranteed completion date in a contract. However, it sets a standard and an agreement for which to aim. Exchanging start and completion dates in an email is a smart way to reference and confirm their commitment.
Weather and other factors can delay completion. However, some contractors will tell you they can start or complete the project within your timeframe just to get the job. So, ask a second time before hiring, especially if it has been over a week since you last met.
Goog Old-Fashioned Honest Service
We serve Raleigh and the greater Triangle. Our message reflects what we experience in our industry here in Raleigh. Being surrounded by more dishonesty than honesty has compelled us to create awareness.
We want to earn your trust and business. We start by putting your best interests first in everything we do. If you are looking for an expert contractor for your home or business, we would love to hear about your needs. Contact us today for professional painting services, both inside and out! We also provide siding, deck, and gutter solutions!
