With their newfound understanding, home owners are also developing a newfound patience with contractors and the pace of a project. For years, consumers demanded a quicker turnaround on proposals and estimates for their projects, but that demand has fallen to 53% from a high of 60% in 1998.
The Appliance Factor
Because consumers are seeing the latest Whirlpool appliance or Simonton or Pella windows being installed on the various home improvement shows, they are learning more about manufacturers and their products. According to the RMI, more than 53% of remodelers reported that their customers have an improved awareness of brand names for products and appliances for remodeling projects. They also reported that home owners are doing their homework by comparing products by quality and not just by price.
Raising the Bar Through Education
As home owners become more knowledgeable about home improvement projects, they are expecting higher degrees of professionalism and craftsmanship from the remodelers they hire.
Remodelers can hone their business and knowledge base with continuing professional education courses from NAHB’s University of Housing. Contactors can earn their Certified Graduate Remodelor™ (CGR), Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) and Graduate Master Builder (GMB), among other professional designations.
By earning these continuing education designations, remodelers can instill a sense of confidence in their customers that they have picked the right company to make their house a home. For more information about NAHB designations, click here.
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