If you’re an employer, you know that checking references is important.  It tells you a lot about how well your prospective employees are able to follow through on their tasks and how they contribute to an organization. When you’re coordinating a home renovation, you’re paying for the services of a home renovation company. Make sure that you’re going to get exactly what you’ve paid for by doing reference checks first. Here’s what to ask and where to look for those references.

Think About What Annoys You 

Companies share positive testimonials and may provide contact information for satisfied customers that are going to give them a great review. However, you may or may not be annoyed by the same things that annoy another homeowner. 

Before you call the references, make a list of what would make you irritated with a company. For instance, some people would be very unhappy with a company that did not show up promptly, while others are not worried as long as the project is completed on time. Ask the reference about the areas that worry you, rather than only asking how satisfied the reference felt. 

Ask for Negative Feedback

When you’re working on a project with someone, your project will not be sunshine and roses all of the time. In every project, there are conflicts and difficulties, even if it’s just that the materials are late. You need to understand how well your renovation company works under difficulty. Event Partners suggests that you “ask the reference to identify a time they were less than pleased with the vendor and ask how the vendor handled the situation.”

Ask the Reference What Project the Company Completed 

Home renovation companies may cover a wide variety of areas. A single company could install floors and work on exterior landscaping. When you look for a reference, ask the company to give you the names of people who have worked on a similar project with the company. If your renovation project is new roofing, you don’t necessarily want to talk with people who’ve had a new pathway installed: after all, that reference may have worked with a completely different construction team.

Request Information About Common Challenges 

When you’re working on a renovation project, you know that sometimes things go wrong. Ask references about key areas of difficulty, including: 

• Did you have clarity on the scope of the project? For example, according to Angie’s List, you should ask whether the contractor gave “adequate written detail in the contract including important details such as who will be performing the work, what types of materials will be used, when the project will be started and finished, and how change orders should be handled?”
• How well did the contractor communicate? 
• What was it like to work with all staff, including office staff and subcontractors?
• Did they show up on time? 
• Did they complete the project on time?
• Was the project on budget? 
• Were you satisfied with the results? 

Make Sure That References Are All Business 

Did the reference get a perk to promote the business? Is the reference actually the cousin of your potential home renovation company? When a company gives you a reference, ask about their relationship with the company. Make sure that the reference is simply a satisfied customer with no particular investment in the business. 

Talk to Other References 

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure that you’ve looked beyond the references that the contractor gave you as well. Look at online reviews, and ask friends and family members. 

At Harry Helmet, we pride ourselves on the fact that 92 percent of our customers would recommend us to a friend. Our customers are our best reference. Would you like to meet our team and see how we can improve your home with seamless gutters or gutter covers? Schedule a free estimate today.

Written by Del Thebaud