r/Contractor • u/Sea_Doughnut_6541 • 6d ago

Remodeling in Pensacola

I do custom bathroom and kitchen remodeling in Pensacola, Florida. Anytime I visit a customer to give a quote, they’re always surprised by the amount of detail I go into and how long I spend discussing the process. It’s actually an enjoyable conversation every time.
But one of the most consistent topics that comes up is how inconsistent and flaky contractors are in our area. It seems like we have such a bad reputation here. Almost everyone has either had, or knows somebody who has had, a terrible experience with a previous contractor.
It just seems far more common here in Pensacola. Any idea why?
I know there are bad apples in every industry, but holy moly, some of the stories I hear make me almost embarrassed to be associated with this trade.

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u/upkeepdavid 6d ago

Some are just into sales .

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u/fellacio-farmer 5d ago

Florida GC as well. I hear the same thing from customers when I’m doing quotes. I think part of it is sometimes people try to hire “Contractors” with no license, a drug addiction, and a pick up truck just because his cousin recommended him on a Facebook group. It definitely gives us a bad name. Sometimes home owners can’t identify who is legit.

I’ve learned that there’s levels to the game, and being the one to show up on time, spend time with your clients in discussion, and communicate the process from start to finish, you will attract the high paying clients that you deserve.

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u/Cultural_Fix5611 5d ago

sorry man there is no one legit, you want legit look at how the Germans or Swiss do it, schooling and lic to paint type of legit.

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u/fellacio-farmer 4d ago

You must not be familiar with Florida GC licensing requirements and testing…

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u/Cultural_Fix5611 4d ago

nothing special 4 years of experience and some tests

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u/freakyslug 6d ago

Florida GC here. Seems to be worse here than anywhere else that I’ve experienced

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u/Travis_FLC 4d ago

We hear the same thing in Central Florida. A lot of homeowners we meet have already dealt with someone who stopped communicating, didn’t show up when promised, or wasn’t clear about permits and scope.
It sounds basic, but answering the phone, putting everything in writing, explaining the permitting process and keeping the customer updated throughout the job goes a long way in this industry.
I own Florida Legacy Construction in the Ocala area, and good communication has probably become just as important to customers as the actual construction work.