What Homeowners Really Want to See Before They Hire a Contractor

Hiring a contractor isn’t just about getting the best price. Homeowners want to feel confident they’re choosing someone who will show up, communicate clearly, and care about the work as much as they do.

Here’s what homeowners are really looking for before they pick up the phone:

1. Proof You’re Trustworthy

Before reaching out, most homeowners check:

• Google reviews and testimonials
• Photos of your past projects
• Your presence on social media

They’re looking for consistency: Do you do what you say you’ll do? Are customers happy? A contractor with 15 solid reviews and clear before-and-after photos is often chosen over one with none.

2. Clear Examples of Your Work

Homeowners want to see:

• What your finished projects actually look like
• The types of projects you specialize in
• The level of quality you consistently deliver

They don’t want perfect photos from manufacturers—they want to see real homes, real decks, real bathrooms, and what your work looks like in their neighborhood.

3. Insights Into Your Process

Hiring a contractor feels risky because homeowners don’t know what to expect. Sharing your process helps build trust:

• How do you handle estimates?
• How long does a typical project take?
• What’s your communication process during a job?

When homeowners know what to expect, they feel more comfortable moving forward.

4. A Sense of Who You Are

Many homeowners hire based on personal connection. They want to know:

• Who will actually be working in their home
• Your values and why you do what you do
• That you will respect their time, property, and family

A quick video introducing yourself or behind-the-scenes stories on your social channels can set you apart instantly.

5. Confidence You’ll Solve Their Problem

Ultimately, homeowners aren’t just buying a deck, kitchen, or roof. They want peace of mind, safety, and beauty in their home. They want to know:

• You will show up on time
• The job will be done right
• Their investment will last

6. The Importance of Video

One of the fastest ways to build trust with homeowners is through video content. Seeing and hearing you speak helps people feel connected before they ever call or message you.

Video can help you:

• Show your personality and communication style
• Explain your process clearly in your own words
• Showcase your past projects in a walkthrough format
• Answer common questions homeowners have before hiring

You don’t need fancy equipment. Simple videos shot on your phone, uploaded to your Google Business Profile, social media, and website, can dramatically increase trust and make homeowners feel more comfortable choosing you over competitors who remain faceless online.

Why This Matters for Contractors

If you’re a contractor, this means your online presence isn’t just optional—it’s your silent salesperson. Before someone hires you, they’re checking your:

• ✅ Google Business Profile
• ✅ Social media activity
• ✅ Website or portfolio
• ✅ Reviews and photos
• ✅ Videos that showcase your work and who you are

If you don’t have these, you’re invisible—even if you do great work.

Final Thought

Homeowners want trust, clarity, and proof before they hire you. If you focus on showing who you are, what you do, and how you help people, you’ll stand out from other contractors who rely only on word-of-mouth.

Show them what they need to see, and they’ll feel confident calling you.

Ready to Build Trust and Grow Your Business?

You’re already doing great work—let’s make sure homeowners see it.

✅ Check out The Local Creator Academy to get step-by-step guidance on using content and simple marketing to grow your business.

Rick Wedding

Since 1987, Rick Wedding has lived and breathed decks and outdoor-living construction—from span tables and footing depth to the evolution of composite decking—while managing territories across Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and the greater Midwest. 38 years on job sites and dealer yards gives him a rare, end-to-end view of how deck builders work, bid, and turn building materials into lifestyle spaces. In 2010 he shifted that expertise online, becoming the go-to strategist who turns contractor know-how into local-authority websites and high-converting content. Today, Rick couples that deep deck knowledge with practical AI workflows—voice-to-estimate sheets, photo-based material take-offs, and prompt libraries tailored to the outdoor living space. The result: builders cut hours of admin and lock jobs faster. Bottom line: Rick speaks two native languages—deck construction and artificial intelligence—and he translates between them so outdoor-living pros can win more work with less effort.