What do contractors want

Ask him to send you an estimate in writing, and check his credentials before you call him back. They just want to make all of your cherry wood and marbled granite dreams come true, take your money and move on to the next job quickly.

So, you either need to hire a designer — even for a consultation — or start thinking like a designer and insisting that your contractor execute your vision. Designers are. Extra storage? Things like: What are the working hours will they conflict with when your baby is sleeping?

It happens all the time — you need a new furnace, but know nothing about furnaces. So, you call in a contractor and delegate the job to him. And at the end of the day, your contractor is here to give you everything you want — like stainless steel. Unfortunately, there are scam artists posing as contractors looking to cheat you out of your money. There are some tell-tale signs of a scammer, though, and they include:. First, attempt to communicate with the contractor directly by calling or emailing them.

Oftentimes, you can resolve the issue without involving outside agencies. But if the problem persists, you can go to your local consumer protection office or your state attorney for assistance.

Lauren is an accomplished freelance writer who covers a variety of topics, including home improvement, sustainability and more. Samantha is an editor who covers all topics home-related including home improvement and repair. She edited home repair and design content at websites like The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also has hosted videos on DIY home tips and solutions and launched multiple home improvement review boards staffed with licensed pros.

Select Region. United States. United Kingdom. Lauren Murphy, Samantha Allen. Contributor, Editor. Editorial Note: Forbes Advisor may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page, but that doesn't affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Find A General Contractor.

There are some tell-tale signs of a scammer, though, and they include: No insurance No license Requires cash payment upfront No references Difficult to contact Will not write or sign a contract. Was this article helpful? Share your feedback.

Send feedback to the editorial team. Manufacturers have many hidden assets of real value to contractors, both large and small. Learn how to leverage your resources to get contractors on your side. If you want to sell more products that require an experienced installer, you need to know how to sell contractors. Consumers are looking to contractors for even seemingly DIY projects, as they now value their time more than ever. For many projects, such as roofing, the contractor is the gatekeeper who decides what brand to install.

Then if the consumer requests a specific brand, the contractor can easily move them to the brand he prefers. Contractors come large and small, and each type needs to be approached differently. In a few categories, manufacturers sell directly to the large contractors.

The majority of the time, though, they sell through distributors, dealers or retailers that in turn sell to contractors — usually the smaller ones. To become more successful with contractors than your competition, you must step beyond product, price and service. Instead, help them identify and overcome their barriers to success.

Stop selling to them and sell through them by helping them sell more of your products. Related Articles Strategy. How to make meetings matter. Staying in Front of Fringe Benefits. Government contractors can gain an edge by offering more flexible options. Sponsored by Bridgit. Sponsored by Built. How does your construction safety program stack up? Sponsor J. New contractors face big challenges - is your new business built for success?