Contractor Referral Services Are Not Created Equal

In 2006 Americans spent $198.6 billion on remodeling, home repair and other small construction projects, a 12.3% increase from 2004 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The reasons for remodeling vary, but generally homeowners are looking for anything that adds convenience, space, comfort and value to their home.

Along with this increased spending, homeowners are always searching for ways to free up more time in their already hectic schedules. Many homeowners spend more time at work than they do at home. When they do find free time the last thing they want to be doing is spending those valuable hours researching and screening potential contractors for their home projects.

Prescreened Contractors

When a need is born so are new business opportunities. With the American homeowner constantly looking for ways to enjoy their free time, services were created to help minimize the time and effort required to find reliable home contractors. "Prescreened contractors" is the new buzz word in the online remodeling, home repair, and new construction industries. These are typically local contractors who have had their business insurances, references, and trade licenses checked out and verified by these web-based services. Once they get approved by these services the contractors are then matched up with homeowners requesting their specific trade skills.

The concept behin5B4d prescreening contractors is very appealing to those homeowners that have no idea who to call for their home project needs AND it offers them something even more appealing-it saves them TIME and MONEY!

If done correctly, the proper screening of a contractor can take a substantial amount of time. Most homeowners know this and that is why many of them do not take the time to do it right and end up hiring the wrong contractor. Or worst yet, hire a contractor who does poor quality work or just takes their money and runs with it. It happens all the time but it does not need to be this way.

Prescreened contractor referral services are like any industry-there are large national organizations and smaller regional or local versions. Both can be helpful to the homeowner and it is important to remember that contractor referral services are NOT created equal.

Let's take a look at how they might differ.

National Contractor Referral Services

National contractor referral services have been around for a few years. No matter where you live you can contact one of these businesses via on-line job request forms and have a contractor referred to you. These companies advertise their services as free-to-use by the homeowner. Many make their money by charging network contractors a fee per lead and/or an annual membership fee.

For the consumer this may be an acceptable way to learn of contractors interested in your pr5B4oject. Dealing with national companies and the large volume of requests they receive, the homeowner may not receive the personalized attention they would like. Also, national contractor referral services rarely, if ever, meet the contractors that they prescreen.

Regional or Local Contractor Referral Services

These smaller, more personalized versions of the national contractor referral services are also free-to-use and have become very popular in recent times. In many cases you are dealing directly with the owner of the business. Just being able to speak with a real person who wants to make sure you are referred the best possible contractor for your project is extremely appealing to many homeowners.

Usually these smaller contractor referral services deal with fewer contractors, get to know them personally and develop a mutual respect for each other. They are also more likely to follow up with homeowners about their projects results and will also verify insurance information and licenses on a more regular basis. Maine-based Home Project Partners is an example of a small contractor referral service which operates like this and also stands by its clients as an added service. If a client has a concern or problem with a contractor, Home Project Partners helps resolve the problem. This often results in a much better experience for all involved, especially the homeowner.

In Summary

No matter how a hom586eowner finds out about a particular contractor it is best if the homeowner remains an active participant in the project. Staying on top of what is going on and being able to address any concerns with the business owner or project manager is a must to make sure your project goes as smooth as possible.

Paul Lawrence has owned and operated Home Project Partners, a free-to-use, Maine-based contractor referral service, since 2002. He helps bring homeowners together with reliable, quality-conscious, pre-screened home contractors skilled in numerous trades.

For more information contact Paul at info@HomeProjectPartners.com or visit online at http://www.HomeProjectPartners.com