We've been a contractor for ten years. This is difficult for us to admit. Eight out of ten people have an unfavorable view of contractors. It is the second worst industry in terms of customer reviews -- in the world. So no matter how squeaky clean we try to be, we will always be that person who is asked if their watch is real. Even with the provenance stuck to our foreheads.
You can't blame people. We've had bad experiences too. Two of our partners were screwed by contractors (that's why they started this in the first place and lost their youth, but that's for another chapter).
It might be getting worse. In the past few months, we've gotten more requests to "take over" projects than we've ever had before. We don't do rescues (that's what we call them internally) nor are we for everyone, but we want to do our part ending construction hell.
Knowing is half the battle. It's cliche because it's true. People usually have no idea of the problems that await them when they build their house. Until they happen.
Here's an unvarnished primer that might prepare you. These numbers might not be solid proof, but they tell you what to investigate and where to direct your attention. Hopefully, it helps you audit builders who can actually build homes.
Part 2 will save you from streaming REM's It's the End of The World As We Know It. Come back for that one.
Massive shortage of workers + Few people entering the industry + Few Training Centers = Poor quality, higher costs/waste, delays.
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