HOW TO PROPERLY EVALUATE A CONTRACTORS WEBSITE FOR YOUR NEEDS

Most people turn to the Internet or their friends to find a contractor. In fact, according to statistics, over 50% of users start their search for businesses online. How do you evaluate a business you find online? What kind of criteria should you use? How can you decide whether or not they should be on your call or don't call list?

Here's a list of ways that you can tell if a website has what you're looking for and determine their credibility:

1. Design And Messaging

Many times you can judge your book by the cover, or, in this case, the website by the design. Is the design of the website neat and clean? Does it show the company's professionalism? Does it pay attention to detail? A good quality website shows that there is someone in the company that is professional and cares about what is out there about the company. That they have invested in the company and are looking to brand themselves as the top of the line in their industry. For many companies, a well thought out design on their website is a forgettable detail. For others, it's a powerful tool that they use to ensure that they're reaching the right customers. Most people prefer to work with a company that is well organized, has a website that is clean and easy to navigate and will focus on the fine details. Who would you rather work with? After all, as Heilman's Renovation has shown, building a website is similar to building a home.

2. About Us Info

This is vital to a good website. Here, you'll learn all about the company, the history, ownership, and their team. These are the people who you'll be trusting your project to. You'll want this information to cover the following:

The people who are behind the products and services.

The background of those who will be doing the job.

History of the company.

Philosophy of the company.

Why you should choose them over other companies.

If you're not learning anything in the About Section, you're getting a pretty good idea of the company's credibility.

3. Useful Information

The information on the website should speak for itself. It should show the intent of the contractor. A good quality construction company should have no issues sharing such information as:

How they work with their clients

The steps to start a project with their company

How they report back to the client

How they do their billing

The type of project management that they utilized

How they are held accountable to you, the client.

4. Projects

Naturally, you'll want to know about some of the other projects that the general contractor has done. You'll want to review a portfolio that shows photos of before and after their completed projects. This way you can evaluate whether or not they have the right skills for your job.

5. Reviews

You'll want to read the reviews from others regarding their work. You'll want to see these on their blog and on their website regardless of whether they're good or bad. Even a bad review should show what the company does to rectify a situation and be transparent enough that you can see if they resolve such issues. Don't forget to check on social media.

6. Third Party Validation

You'll want to check their background out. Their customer complaints, check the BBB for reviews and ensure that they have the right insurance. Check for badges and certificates that show that they know their stuff.

7. Memberships, Associations, And Certificates

If the company is a member of a professional association it should shine through on their website. Contractors that are in good standing should proudly display this information to the public on their website. It should demonstrate that they are a part of the industry and that they are staying up to date on their training.

8. Awards

If the company has any awards these should also be proudly displayed on their website. It should show any recognition that they've received in their trade and it should validate them to their potential customers.

9. Contact Info

Everyone knows that contractors are very busy. They handle a lot of details and information and communication on a daily basis. If you give them a call, ensure that they'll call you back and stay in communication with you regarding your specific project. Their website should show this interaction with others.

A lot of detail goes into evaluating home contractors, hopefully following these tips will help to ensure that the next general contractor that you select is the right one for your specific project.