Consumers More Knowledgeable About Remodeling - 4/26/2004 - Home Remodeling Interior Decorating Design

Consumers More Knowledgeable About Remodeling

According the latest the Remodelors™ Council’s Remodeling Market Index, 57% of respondents noted that customers are better informed on remodeling projects, up from 47% when remodelers were polled in 2000.

And as home owners gain more knowledge, they are becoming more confident about deciding what is best for their homes and playing a larger role in their projects — and putting "fly-by-nighters" on notice.

“As consumers become more sophisticated in their choices and more knowledgeable about remodeling, they can distinguish the ‘fly-by-nighters’ from legitimate contractors,” said NAHB Remodelors™ Council Chairman Douglas L. Sutton, of Sutton Siding and Remodeling in Springfield, IL.

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.