Now that you've received a job assignment, your foot is in the door. The next step is to win the homeowner's trust. To help put you on a journey for more Consumer Home Improvement success, we have written a two part series, Roadmap to Winning the Job.

As part of the first installment in our series, below are two important tips to start your journey.

1. Establish A Good First Impression
From the moment your company makes first contact with the homeowner, establish yourself as an expert in home improvement. Many network members provide insurance restoration and consumer home improvement services, so the staff assigned to consumer home improvement projects should be trained to identify all home improvement assignments in order to make the appropriate introductions of your company to the consumer.

There is nothing worse than to mistakenly introduce yourself as their insurance claim contractor because that will lead to a negative impression and most likely a missed opportunity. Unfortunately, this mistake has happened more than once, so make sure it does not happen to you.

Most importantly, brand yourself as a home improvement specialist with the knowledge to meet their needs. Consumers pay attention to the small details such as business cards, company uniform and the vehicle you are driving. With that in mind, what kind of impressions do you make if your vehicle signage and business card only says insurance restoration?

Think about making a small investment in a business card that includes your home improvement service capability. Contractor Connection is designing a new vehicle magnet and decal that will identify you as an accredited member that specialists in insurance and home improvement. Stay tuned for availability in the near future from the Contractor Connection Network Member online store.

2. Build Trust
Consumer home improvement projects are delicate and require more attention than a typical insurance job, but the dividends can be tremendous. Be sure to assign consumer home improvement project requests to designated estimators who have home improvement training and the patience to work with consumers.

A home remodel is a significant investment for the homeowner, so it is important to identify their exact dream project and come as close to it as possible within their planned budget. It may take several trips and/or conversations to determine their overall needs, but the consumer must first gain trust in their contractor.

To help add credibility, have a portfolio of your previous home improvement projects on hand to show the homeowner. It will help build dialogue with the homeowner by giving them more ideas. Always remember this is a voluntary project for them, so they must trust who they choose to perform the work.

Have tips you’d like to share from your successful Consumer Home Improvement Project?

Share them by emailing communications@contractorconnection.com!