The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we do many things, including home improvement projects and reviewing them. As we all learn to adapt to the new normal, the way we view things must also change. Many homeowners and companies alike have felt the impact of the pandemic on their homes and their businesses. Keep the following factors in mind the next time you write a review on HomeStars.
Future Projects and Quotes
Depending on where you live, the level of restrictions may limit the amount of home improvement projects you can do at this time. In that case, you can always plan ahead and start getting quotes for future projects. When writing a review, focus on how the quoting process went. Did the company respond to you in a timely manner and answer all of your questions? Or were they short and dismissive? Ideally, they should discuss the scope of work and provide you with a formal quote, regardless of when work can begin. While they may not be able to do your project right now, they can certainly advise on how it could be carried out in the future.
Uncontrollable Factors
Let’s say you’ve found the perfect pro for your project and you’ve agreed upon a start date. Now imagine that due to a rise in cases, this start date has to be pushed back to follow local restrictions. When this happens, it is not the company’s fault. As we all navigate through this new normal, there will be uncontrollable factors that can impact your project. While it is understandably upsetting to have to put your project on hold, remember that this is not the contractor’s fault. When you do go to write your review, keep in mind that there are factors beyond your control that could impact the timeline of your project.
Level of Availability
As there is much pent-up demand when it comes to completing projects, the level of availability of pros may vary. This means that they can go from having a completely free calendar to being totally booked up in a matter of days. When this happens, remember that it is not about you and the service professional is not trying to purposely ignore or not take on your project. It’s more likely that they received many quote requests for future projects that they are now fulfilling. In addition, if a pro is slow to respond to your quote request, do not take it as a personal offence. Again, they may be very busy and be receiving a huge spike in requests. Ideally, they should get back to you even if that is just to say they are too busy right now.
Changes in Pricing or Materials
Due to the pandemic, certain materials have been in higher demand which results in lower supplies. This past summer we saw a lumber shortage that resulted in higher costs and some homeowners having to choose a different material to complete their projects. When this happens, it is again a factor that is beyond the control of the company. If you find there is a change in price or certain materials now cost more, keep this in mind when writing your review. It is very unlikely that the company is raising prices for no reason. They may also have to invest in more protection materials for their staff which can impact your bill. Safety always comes first and it is more important now than ever before.
If you would like more guidance on writing a review, read this article full of helpful tips to consider. You can also view our Review Guidelines to ensure your review meets our criteria so that it is approved and published. As we all continue to adjust to life during a pandemic, we must be kind and realize that there are factors beyond our control. While we all want our projects done yesterday, they may have to wait until it is safe to do so. Keep these factors in mind the next time you write a review during the pandemic on HomeStars.
