5 COMMON COMPLAINTS ABOUT CONTRACTORS
AND WHY KRAFT IS DIFFERENT
If you have worked with a contractor or know someone who has, youʼve probably heard the following complaints — or maybe even uttered them yourself. While each of these is a potential risk when you work with certain contractors, at Kraft weʼve created processes and systems to ensure they wonʼt happen on our watch. Our goal is that the experience of every home remodel or renovation project be as communicative, enjoyable, and fun as possible — with no unexpected surprises.
1. THE JOB TOOK LONGER AND COST MORE THAN I EXPECTED.
Typically, youʼll see a price change when a contractor forgot to include something in the bid or doesn’t have the expertise to know what the job entails. Some contractors also wing it when they give a timeframe, as opposed to checking the Lead Times for materials, determining the Trade Contractorsʼ schedules, and putting together a Master Schedule.
When a contractor takes time to carefully plan the project, as well as define and price the Scope of Work, the price and timeline should not change unless there are Discovered Conditions or you change your mind about some aspect of the project.
When you work with Kraft, youʼll appreciate that we take the necessary steps to define the Scope of Work, and to completely understand what you want and need in your project. In the planning phase, we ask you hundreds of questions to gather as much information as possible. When we deliver your Project Proposal, you know the pricing and timeline are comprehensive and accurate.
2. The contractors were unclean and disorganized.
True, some contractors don’t get that a clean worksite is not only safer, itʼs also more efficient. At Kraft, however, our practice is to keep our worksites clean and tidy, so our crews can work more safely and stay more organized. After all, no one does their best work if theyʼre tripping over boards and tools. Weʼre also aware that weʼre in your space and know that by maintaining a clean worksite we also maintain your trust.
We hear over and over that we are good people who care about our clients. We understand that your home is your sanctuary, and we do our best to respect it and keep it that way.
3. The contractors didn't communicate with me—I never knew what was going on.
Whenever we ask potential clients what they want in a contractor, the #1 response is always “good communication.” Not all contractors keep their clients up to speed on the project. If the communication is unclear, the client won’t likely be happy with the end result, no matter how good the contractor is. If the client becomes fearful because they don’t know what’s going on and the contractor doesn’t communicate openly, the client’s trust in the contractor erodes.
Open communication is one of the main pillars of our business. After all, it’s our job to give you what you want — by understanding exactly what needs to be done and bringing it all to life. Good communication only makes that easier to do.
4. The contractors were unprofessional.
While details like communication, tidy worksites and thorough scheduling go a long way toward showing how professional a contractor is (or isnʼt), checking the CCB number is another way. You can ensure the contractor is licensed and see how long theyʼve been in business is by looking at their Construction Contractors Board (CCB) License number.
The CCB # isnʼt just to see how long a contractor has been in business, itʼs to make sure theyʼre even licensed
At Kraft, we also hold the following licenses and certifications:
Construction Contractors Board (CCB) License #058449
Lead-Based Paint Renovator (LBPR) License
Certified Master Builder from the State of Oregon through The Homebuilders and
Building Codes Division
Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler from the National Association of the
Remodeling Industry (NARI
Master Certified Remodeler from the National Association of the Remodeling
Industry (NARI)
Robert Kraft was the first Master Certified Remodeler in the State of Oregon, and one of only three who currently hold this certification. Kraft is also the only contractor in the State of Oregon to hold all three above-mentioned certifications.
5. The contractors left parts of the project undone.
A good contractor has a system in place for starting a job, getting the team on the same page, communicating clearly through the duration of the project and, of course, making sure the project is completed and duly paid for. They should also have a system for making sure that the client is 100% satisfied before they make their final payment and sign a certificate of completion. Not every contractor has thought through each stage of the project to make sure all the details are taken care of.
At Kraft, we follow a time-tested and airtight process and in the final walk-through, if the homeowner feels any aspect of the finished project is incomplete, we will take care of it immediately.
