If you've ever tried to hire a contractor for anything - whether for a home remodel or to complete a repair - you probably know that some contractors book up months in advance. Is it worth the wait? It's a question many homeowners ask themselves as they're planning their home improvement projects.
That wait time can feel especially long if you've also encountered contractors available starting immediately. It helps to understand why some contractors are always booked up, and how those contractors compare to others who are always available.
Why Are The Best Contractors Always Booked?
There are several reasons why good contractors typically have full schedules and long wait times.
1. Reputable contractors are in high demand. Homeowners renovate their houses regularly to maintain the value and beauty of their properties. Flooring, walls, and appliances don't last forever. In 2024, over 50% of homeowners planned to renovate their property, with kitchens, bathrooms, and guest rooms being the most popular rooms for renovation. This kind of renovation activity places constant demand on contractors, especially those with reputations for doing good work.
2. Good contractors take the time to do it right. Home improvement takes time, and good contractors don't cut corners. Speeding up the process only increases the chances of errors that can lead to structural damage.
3. They've put years into their business and building their client base. It takes years to become an in-demand contractor. Good contractors put time and energy into developing their skills, and during this time, they amass clients. Clients often return to trusted contractors again and again, and when their friends and family need to renovate, they recommend their favorite contractors to others.
Over time, good contractors stay busy with repeat business and referrals, and their schedules get busier. A busy schedule can be a sign of many satisfied customers.
Is the Wait Worth It?
As a homeowner, you have to decide for yourself whether the wait for a reputable contractor is worthwhile. There are many ways a home improvement project can go wrong if you hire an inexperienced or unskilled contractor. Below are some benefits to hiring reputable contractors, and why it's better to wait and hire someone you can trust.
Raise Your Home's Value
A well-done home improvement can raise your home's value. Whether you're building an addition or bringing your kitchen up to date, renovating regularly can make your home worth more when you sell.
Conversely, hiring a contractor without the skills to do the work right can reduce your home's value. Work done incorrectly can cause damage that can plague you for years.
Improve Quality of Life
One of the reasons that homeowners renovate is to improve their quality of life by making their homes more comfortable and functional. Projects completed by the best contractors are most likely to meet these goals.
Quality Work Will Last
When the work is done right, it lasts a long time. Homeowners who hire good contractors to do the work can go for many years in between remodels because the finished projects are high-quality and need few or no repairs.
A Better Experience Overall
Home improvement can be stressful, but it's a better experience when working with a contractor you can trust. Good contractors use good communication and rely on skilled workers to help ensure a successful, satisfying home improvement experience.
The Problem With Hiring Contractors Available Immediately
Be cautious of contractors that are available starting immediately to finish big jobs.
Low-Quality Work
Some contractors get through their projects quickly by cutting corners. They move from one job to the next, leaving more problems than they solved.
It Could Be a Scam
Immediate availability can be a sign of a scam. Watch out for contractors that come to you offering to do work and pressuring you to act now.
A good contractor will give you time to do research and hire the right professional for the job. A scam artist may offer "limited time only" deals to get homeowners to sign now, without considering other possibilities.
How to Vet Contractors
There's an art to vetting contractors. The more contractors you hire and the longer you're a homeowner, the easier hiring gets. Eventually, you'll have a list of trusted contractors you can turn to again and again. Below are some tips to help make the hiring process easier.
- Check references: Check references from two or three people who hired the contractor to do similar work.
- Look at their portfolio: An experienced contractor will have pictures and proof of work they've done for other clients.
- Get referrals: Talk to trusted friends and neighbors to find out who they recommend. Word-of-mouth can be a very effective way to find trustworthy professionals.
- Research their reputation: Reputable contractors will have a reputation you can trust. They may have memberships with local associations or may make contributions to local charities. Established contractor businesses have a stake in the areas where they operate.
- Check the contractor's license: Contractors are required to have a license to perform work in Connecticut. Check their license on the state's website.
- Meet with multiple contractors: Consider more than one contractor before hiring the right one. Vetting multiple contractors can help you compare options and find the professional that will be the best for your needs.
Ready to Hire a Contractor? Download Our Free Guide
Litchfield Builder's free guide to hiring a Connecticut contractor makes finding the best contractor easier. Download our guide or contact us to get started with your next home improvement project.
