Karen Baker is a San Francisco resident who came to BuildZoom for her bathroom remodel. She wanted to do a complete renovation of the space – change the flooring, put in new tiles, expand the shower, install a new vanity, and put in a new toilet. Going into it, she knew 80% of what she wanted aesthetically. She had a vision, but she did not know how to make it a reality – until she found BuildZoom. Through BuildZoom, she found and hired AAA Design Company. We sat down with Karen to talk about her bathroom remodel and experience using Buildzoom for her first home renovation project.
Why did you decide to use BuildZoom?
This was the first time I needed a contractor for a home renovation. For 2 years I wanted to do this remodel. But for 2 years I struggled to find a contractor. I got referrals from friends and relatives and researched contractors online. But every time I tried to contact someone, my calls were not returned, I was told the contractor had no time for the job, or that they wouldn’t do ‘such a small job.’ I think in San Francisco especially, contractors are simply overwhelmed with work. Eventually, someone on NextDoor suggested I look into BuildZoom. I checked out the site and realized that, after 2 years of searching, BuildZoom was how my remodel would finally come together.
And once I heard from contractors through the site, I knew immediately that I would hire through BuildZoom. I realized – this is it. I am pulling the trigger. I am finally getting my bathroom remodel.
And once I heard from contractors through the site, I knew immediately that I would hire through BuildZoom. I realized – this is it. I am pulling the trigger. I am finally getting my bathroom remodel.
What did you think about the BuildZoom process?
The BuildZoom process was really easy from the start. On a whim, I loaded my project onto the site. Because I’d waited so long for this project to get off the ground, and had run into so much trouble before, I figured this would be a dragged out process. But instead, it was immediate! Within a half hour or hour, I had multiple responses from contractors and received a call from BuildZoom customer service. They explained the process to me and made sure I understood what to expect. By the end of that phone conversation, I was confident and optimistic. After 2 years of being unable to find a general contractor, I heard from 5 almost instantly!
How did BuildZoom help you along the way?
The service provided by BuildZoom was exceptional. They helped me manage my expectations and understand the process. And I was pleasantly surprised by the personalized feedback I received. As someone who had never done a renovation before, I appreciated that BuildZoom evaluates their customers’ bids — free of charge! This is perhaps the most important thing they do. The four bids I received were all done differently, and it was difficult for me to compare them, even after I did my own research. BuildZoom reviewed them and shared their unbiased opinion. Some bids seemed very expensive, and BuildZoom took the time to explain what was legitimate and what might be unreasonable. Having BuildZoom as a second pair of eyes gave me the peace of mind that I was making an educated decision.
How did you compare contractors and pick one?
Price was a big factor for me, but the number one consideration was personal rapport. I wanted to trust the person working in my home. I wanted a professional that would tell me the truth. This being my first remodel, I wanted someone who would ‘hold my hand’ throughout the process. AAA Design Company offered numerous modern channels of communication, which was very important. They presented a highly professional bid and consistently responded in an informed and quick manner.
Having BuildZoom as a second pair of eyes gave me the peace of mind that I was making an educated decision.
What was the most difficult part of your remodeling process?
I wouldn’t say I ran into any problems with my remodel. Of course, there were a couple minor delays, which are bound to happen occasionally. But frankly, AAA Design Company communicated all minor problems to me directly and professionally. They provided such a high quality of work and service that these little delays did not bother me, and all the positive aspects far outweighed any ‘issues.’
Do you plan on doing any construction projects in the future?
Now that I have my first remodeling project out of the way, I absolutely plan to do more. I am interested in having my home painted, perhaps renovating my backyard, and my kitchen. I am not really sure where to start, but I am excited about my options. After years of being frustrated by the inability to find a contractor, having the process completed so seamlessly with BuildZoom really opens the door to more possibilities.
After years of being frustrated by the inability to find a contractor, having the process completed so seamlessly with BuildZoom really opens the door to more possibilities.
Would you recommend BuildZoom to others?
I recommend BuildZoom to everyone I know, even those who aren’t planning renovations. I don’t have to give them any tips or guidance because the process is so straightforward and well managed by BuildZoom.
I recommend BuildZoom to everyone I know, even those who aren’t planning renovations. I don’t have to give them any tips or guidance because the process is so straightforward and well managed by BuildZoom.
I find it shocking that more people don’t know about BuildZoom. They don’t realize the wonderful service they can get at their fingertips, especially when it can make what is too often a frustrating process so efficient and pleasant. Everyone should be using it. I even asked my contractor about BuildZoom, and they told me they love using it. So it’s a win-win for all parties!
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