Home repair is booming business in America: In 2017, the average American homeowner spent $6,649 on home repairs. That gives contractors an incredible opportunity to profit off of every American's desire to improve their home and live in a better place. That being said, this isn't an easy market to access, and the competition is fierce. Here are three factors that can help you stand apart from the competition.
Good Reputation
It seems as if every homeowner has a horror story when it comes to contractors who fell down on the job and didn't do the work they were paid to do. Every contractor must be aware that they will live and die by a positive reputation. It's not enough to do a good job: You have to provide high-quality service, answer all questions and have a positive attitude. Additionally, you should go out of your way to ask your customers to leave positive reviews for you online. These reviews can be critically important to building a good reputation, with a recent survey showing that 97 percent of all customers now read online reviews.
Affordability
You have to be affordable and be able to match your competitors' prices. Otherwise, you will price yourself right out of the market. Furthermore, some homeowners are able to pay the cost for their project themselves, while others may need to make monthly payments, making contractors who offer financing a more affordable option to greater numbers of people. If you are looking to differentiate yourself from your competition, partner with a local bank to develop financing programs that can make major projects possibilities for prospective clients.
Relevant Experience
Given the massive amount of competition that contractors face, you have to have the experience that homeowners are looking for. If someone is looking for you to complete a job -- however easy, make sure that you discuss your relevant experience in this area. Additionally, it's not enough to have done the work, you have to highlight it in your marketing materials. Refer to your previous work on your website and social media so that potential customers understand the jobs you have done and that you are an experienced contractor.
The home contracting business is hard work and the competition is steep. Ensuring that you pay attention to these three factors will start you on your way towards gaining customers and building a successful business.
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