In today’s episode, we’re flipping the script and discussing the challenges contractors face with remodeling clients. The title may sound harsh, but the goal isn’t to bash clients—it’s to open up a dialogue about common frustrations and how both sides can create a smoother, more enjoyable remodeling process.

We’ll dive into five major issues contractors regularly encounter:

1. Unrealistic Expectations: From timelines to cost expectations, many clients are misled by TV shows that make remodeling seem fast and cheap.
2. Scope Creep and Indecisiveness: Clients frequently add "small" requests or change their minds mid-project, often without understanding how it affects the schedule or budget.
3. Micromanagement: Some clients feel the need to monitor every decision, often causing delays or creating friction with the contractor.
4. Payment Issues: Slow or non-payment can put a business in a precarious position, especially if clients try to negotiate prices down unfairly.
5. Communication Challenges: Misunderstandings about specifications, changes, or final results often arise, creating tension between both parties.

Despite these frustrations, we contractors have the power to improve the experience by setting clearer expectations upfront. Through solid contracts, honest timelines, and educating clients early, we can mitigate most issues before they start.

At the end of the day, remodeling is a partnership. This episode is a call to both contractors and clients to create a better process that benefits everyone.

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In this episode of Remodeling Perspectives, we dive deep into a controversial topic: Why do so many people distrust realtors? According to a study by Purplebricks, only 11% of people trust realtors, placing them in the same league as car salespeople and politicians. But what’s behind this distrust, and how does it impact the real estate industry? We’ll break it down by looking at the common perceptions of real estate agents from the perspective of homeowners, buyers, and sellers.

With years of experience in both remodeling and real estate, I share my personal journey from obtaining a real estate license to becoming a referral agent. You’ll get a no-holds-barred look at why I walked away from traditional real estate and how I now connect clients to trustworthy, experienced realtors through our bespoke service at Neven & Son.

We explore why many people feel that realtors are dishonest, exaggerating home listings or omitting important details. We also discuss the marketing side of real estate, from flashy appearances to luxury cars, and how it feeds into the stereotype of agents being more focused on themselves than their clients. Yet, despite these perceptions, I still believe that hiring a realtor can be crucial for most homebuyers and sellers—though not without some major considerations.

This episode isn’t about horror stories or brokerage-level scandals. Instead, we tackle the industry’s reputation head-on, focusing on the real experiences that drive homeowners away from realtors. And while we don’t shy away from addressing the negative aspects, we’re also paving the way for future conversations with real estate professionals who can defend their role and provide valuable insights.

Whether you're planning to buy or sell a home, or you're in the real estate industry yourself, this episode will shed light on the trust issues surrounding realtors and offer practical advice on finding someone you can actually trust. Realtors, if you’re listening—don’t worry, you’ll get your chance to set the record straight in a future episode.

For more information, or to find a realtor you can trust, visit NevenAndSon.com. Realtors can also reach out to see how we can support your business through remodeling services and client referrals.

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In this episode of Remodeling Perspectives, we tackle the elephant in the room: Why don’t people trust contractors? With nearly 70% of homeowners reporting dissatisfaction or distrust, we explore the root causes behind this mistrust in the remodeling and home renovation industry. Is it a lack of communication? Poor performance? Or is it the unpredictable nature of construction projects?

Focusing on local and regional contractors—from the solo "Chuck in a truck" operations to midsize companies with recognizable brands—we dive into the issues homeowners face when hiring remodelers. We discuss the importance of clear communication, realistic expectation-setting, and transparent pricing to avoid common problems like unexpected project costs, delays, and poor workmanship.

If you’re a homeowner, this episode will give you practical tips on how to choose the right contractor, protect yourself during a renovation, and avoid falling into common pitfalls. For contractors, we’ll share insights on how to rebuild trust, improve client relationships, and stand out in an industry that’s often slow to change.

Whether you're planning a major home remodel or simply curious about the construction industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice on navigating the renovation process, finding trustworthy contractors, and creating better outcomes for everyone involved.

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Welcome to “Remodeling Perspectives." A podcast that delves into the transformative power of remodeling—both in the context of physical spaces and personal growth. Each episode explores how the principles of renovation and change in the construction and remodeling industry can be applied in actuality and often as a metaphor for improving our lives, communities, and society. In the process, we hope to humanize the construction and remodeling sector for both the people within the industry as well as the people who live in the homes, buildings, and apartments that we work on. We will be straightforward and introspective. I'm not here to preach, I'll be learning right along with you. The point of this podcast is community. I want to hear from you, both as guests and as listeners through your questions and comments.

You'll find episodes that are more narrative in nature, providing interesting stories that center on shaping or transformative events dealing with the physical spaces we call home and how changes to them or their location can effect our stories. Others will be more straight forward, informative, and actionable for people who are considering remodeling or building their homes, and those who are getting ready to make a move either locally, throughout America, or internationally.

As we continue, we will be bringing in guests from industries that touch the remodeling and home relocating segments, as well as homeowner's or renters themselves. Each with a unique and important point of view that can help us in remodeling perspectives. All hosted by me, Chris Meznaric owner of Neven & Son. A family owned company specializing in building, remodeling, and relocation assistance.

If you have questions, we hope to have answers. And if we don't, we'll tell you, and find the best people that do. Make sure to subscribe to us now to get us in your feed every week

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