Burgin Construction Inc., a home remodeler in Orange County, CA, has entered the Best Construction Blog competition several times, always achieving high results both in the popular and judged vote. Last year, in fact, Burgin won the competition — with popular vote from a diversity of supporters that nearly reached the level of the “popular vote” leader, a larger organization that encouraged its employees to vote (a different kind of relationship and popularity, obviously.)
Rhonda Burgin has been a leader in social media activities; in fact, you can discover the contractor on virtually all of the major services. Her blog is a key cornerstone in the social media strategy, allowing the company to showcase its work, have some fun, and build and maintain relationships with potential, current and previous clients.
This blog combines a high technical quality with a true sensitivity to the southern California clients who Burgin must attract in a truly competitive marketplace.
This recent posting is relevant not only to Burgin’s clients, but other contractors who wish to differentiate themselves from the fly-by-night operators who have managed to tarnish the industry’s reputation. You can read the entire context of 8 Steps to Hiring a GREAT Contractor here.
I expect Burgin won’t have too much problem with me quoting the eight steps here:
Here are 8 Steps to take that will help you find the right contractor for your project:
-
Hire only licensed contractors and ask to see the license.
-
Verify the contractor?s license by checking online at?www.cslb.ca.gov?or via automated phone service at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).
-
Check references and get a written contract.
-
Find out how long a contractor has been in business. The longer they’ve been in business, the more of a reputation they have to uphold.
-
Be wary of any contractor who asks you to pay with cash.
-
Always check the Better Business Bureau. This will list any formal complaints filed against the company and how they were resolved.
-
Keep in mind that if it seems too good to be true, it most likely is. A contractor who is offering the same work for a much lower price than other estimates is most likely having difficulties with their business, lacking in qualified help, using low quality materials, or cutting important corners such as permitting and correct planning. Low initial estimates can also lead to excessive and costly change orders down the road. While getting a great deal is a good thing, keep in mind that that so-called ?great deal? may cost you much more in the long run.
-
Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering home improvement services door-to-door, especially when they offer to use materials that they claim are leftover from another project.
The bog concludes with a great simple call to action. Notably, at least one other contractor has asked Burgin for permission to quote from the post (granted).
I think Burgin has a good chance of scoring highly and possibly winning this year’s competition. Regardless, this is an excellent blog and is especially relevant for anyone in the residential construction/remodeling industry.
Nominations for the 2013 Best Construction Blog competition are open until January 31. You can enter your own blog or any that you like. There is no charge to enter the competition, and all qualified blogs will receive a positive editorial review (like this one!). ?You can learn more and access the nomination form here.
