We meet with clients at least two-three times a week who have recently come off of a really terrible remodeling experience. You have to ask yourself, how can so many remodeling contractors leave clients so unhappy but somehow manage to stay in business? These contractors end up paid for 95% of the project, sometimes even paid in full, yet the homeowners are left with incomplete projects. Work is also unsatisfactory, tools and materials are left behind in the garage, driveway damage, the list goes on and on!
One of the reasons this happens is because our industry has very few regulatory bodies, and much work goes unnoticed by township and county inspectors. There is simply no one to hold these folks accountable for less than acceptable work, or lack of meeting minimum code standards. In addition, there is no one there to ensure that the work is 100% complete prior to the contractor leaving the job. Another reason this happens is because homeowners simply don’t do their homework. They are too busy with work and kids (understandably so!) and fail to realize they are in the process of making one of their biggest financial investments besides the home itself.
The state of Pennsylvania began a contractor registration some years back, but accreditation is achieved by simply providing your Tax ID # and General Liability Policy number, along with a small fee to the state. It is estimated that tens of thousands of remodelers in the state have not even taken that simple step. You as the homeowner must do your due diligence and make sure the firm you hire is reputable, reliable, licensed, insured and well organized.
Successful remodeling projects are well designed, well planned, permitted, inspected, exceed minimum code standards and meet the clients goals both functionally and aesthetically. This often times requires more than a family friend or a local “handyman”, it requires a team of professionals competent in many things other than the physical labor of remodeling.
Harth Builders has been exceeding client expectations for 22 years by focusing on three things, Quality, Communication and Cleanliness. If you have experienced anything less than a great remodel, please reach out to us and tell us about it. We would be more than happy to guide you through the next remodel in a way that leaves you feeling good about the process from start to finish!
Christopher Lux has spent the last 15 years in the residential remodeling industry and is a Design-Build Consultant with Harth Builders in Spring House, PA. Chris is available for in home consultations as well as speaking engagements by calling 215-654-0364.