The attached YouTube video is an in-depth analysis of two seasoned industry professionals discussing the intricacies of foundation/crawlspace repair, waterproofing, and indoor air quality industries.

During the last several years, there has been a large increase in corporate franchising and consolidation of the industry. These franchises are financed, marketed, designed, and driven by the corporate manufacturing complex with the sole purpose of controlling the market utilizing aggressive market manipulation tools, strategies, and sales tactics with the goal of controlling the national as well as the local markets. As a result, the industry has become quite tawdry, linear, and predatory. This video will cover a variety of topics that any homeowner should know before contacting and/or hiring a potential contractor for services. These topics will include:

·         The Estimate vs. the Evaluation.

·         The Questionnaire.

·         Price Conditioning.

·         Pre-Determined Outcomes.

·         Power Point Dog & Pony Show.

·         Laptop Presentations.

·         Fear Based Selling Tactics.

·         Price Conditioning.

·         High Pressure Close.

·         Preferred Customer Discount (Or not)

After reviewing these topics in the video one can see the disingenuous tactics used by the franchisees to mislead potential customers into spending exorbitant amounts of money for challenges that are misdiagnosed, embellished, or even invented by an overzealous, poorly trained salesperson desperate to make a sale. It is important to seek out local independent, noncommissioned professionals during the pre-construction stage of the process to ensure that you are getting an objective, unbiased analysis of the symptoms reported to resolve the problem correctly in the first place. This may include bringing in third-party professionals such as licensed structural engineers and/or licensed mold and air quality specialists for investigations. You may choose to utilize these same third-party specialists even before getting bids from contractors. These same professionals can also be utilized for third-party oversight including final inspections. That way all the contractors are forced to follow the same means and methods as well as applicable processes. The most important thing to do is not to panic. Take your time. Do lots of research. The developmental stage of the project is the most important stage in the process. It sets the stage and the tone for the entire project. If done properly, the client can save thousands of dollars on the project and avoid getting charged for products that are unnecessary and/or unneeded to achieve the project goals.

For an independent analysis of your foundation repair, crawl space problems, structural wood, and/or waterproofing challenges as well as a list of trustworthy, qualified, local contractors to work with please feel free to reach out to us for more information. We are here to help!

Original article