Working with homeowners on their exterior remodels can be a rewarding experience. You get to help them improve their home’s functionality and overall curb appeal. That said, clients’ needs and personalities vary, and a few suggestions can help you master each partnership with greater coordination and collaboration.
So, how do you approach navigating these interactions while offering a homeowner the best possible experience and value for their investment? Here are tips for contractors looking to strengthen their relationships with clients for a smoother and more effective process.
Managing expectations is crucial in any working relationship. It solidifies professionalism and keeps both parties on the same page regarding project specifics. Before you hit the ground, you want to be as realistic as possible about your abilities and services for that specific job.
Some things to keep in mind to better manage homeowner expectations and avoid misunderstandings include:
Homeowners may have combed the internet for inspiration and ideas, some of which may not be reliable or practical in their situation. As the expert, you can embrace these ideas while also helping homeowners navigate their realistic options.
Let your customers know that you’re a reliable resource and that you have a good grasp of the different solutions. Remember, you want to solve the client’s problems, not just get the job done. If there are many confusing options, which is often the case, provide recommendations and show how each affects the budget.
For example, a deck and a patio can serve similar purposes, but they are unique options you may present to your client to help them make the best decision based on their property and needs.
If there’s one business tip for a contractor to master, it’s good communication. That’s the foundation of any successful project because it keeps you and your clients on the same page. It’s natural that homeowners, like any other customer, will want to stay informed as work progresses.
Since customer expectations are higher than ever, your business relies on providing a positive customer experience, which starts with building a good rapport. Maintain good communication from the start with these tips:
Stay proactive: Show your clients that you’re consistent with information by providing regular updates even if they don’t ask. If any part of the process affects them, share that information beforehand so they can decide on the next steps.
When discussing costs, consider a 360-degree perspective instead of focusing on upfront expenses. While you want to work with a given budget, highlight the effect of long-term costs and let the homeowner weigh their options. For example, while premium-quality siding materials feel expensive upfront, their durability and low-maintenance qualities will pay off in the long run.
The homeowner will most likely be looking for something affordable. Encourage them to factor in both the initial and long-term expenses. Remodels that last a long time with minimal maintenance beat cheap solutions that increase repair and replacement costs.
For some homeowners, making the home’s exterior beautiful is the top priority. Others will emphasize performance or budget needs. The sweet spot lies in balancing these factors.
Show the client that attractive cladding or decking is possible within their budget and without sacrificing maintenance requirements. You can encourage the homeowner to spend on a product that offers all of these qualities, even if it will cost more.
Discuss why it’s unwise to sacrifice quality, especially when it comes to exposed areas like the deck. A client may choose wooden decking because of its aesthetics. But while wood is beautiful, it’s also high maintenance when used in areas where it’s completely exposed to the elements.
Help your clients by showing them a more reliable alternative. Wolf Serenity™ Decking, for example, is an excellent wood alternative. It’s an engineered decking material featuring the High-Density Cellular™ Technology, which offers qualities like high strength and durability, moisture resistance and low maintenance.
That said, Wolf Serenity Decking doesn’t offer these advanced qualities at the expense of aesthetics. It replicates the beauty and texture of natural wood, minus the weaknesses. To maximize value, Wolf Serenity Decking comes backed by an exceptional 50-Year Stain and Fade warranty, which isn’t possible with natural wood.
As a contractor, your workplace is someone’s home, and that makes integrity vital. Since your conduct reflects on your entire business, remaining professional directly affects the client’s satisfaction and your business reputation.
Here are some of the things you can do to maintain excellent conduct at all times and win homeowners’ loyalty:
Reliable tools and solutions give you leverage when working with homeowners. As a certified Wolf PRO, you have access to exclusive tools that can set you apart in the industry. Highlight your certification by displaying your PRO badge on your website. This shows your official certificate. By confidently sharing your status during consultations, you demonstrate affiliation with a proven industry leader.
Don’t forget the powerful benefit of the exclusive 5-Year Labor Warranty, which covers defective product removal, disposal, replacement materials and labor on Wolf Home Products siding and decking projects — something non-certified contractors can’t offer.
Leave a lasting impression with free marketing materials like brochures, literature, color samples, and warranty postcards. These tools help homeowners visualize their projects and reinforce the quality and credibility you bring as a Wolf PRO. Your PRO status is more than a title — it’s a proven advantage.
Our tips for working with homeowners offer a way to nurture a good working relationship that will keep your clients satisfied and willing to send more business your way. By understanding homeowner needs, communicating clearly and leading with solutions, you’ll find it easier to get along with homeowners and deliver top-notch services.
Wolf Home Products supports your business and your journey as a contractor through our Wolf PRO contractor program, which gives you access to everything you need to grow your operations. Join our established professional community to strengthen your business!
