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Consumer-Oriented Web Site Aims to Erase Remodeling Misconceptions
Meghan Haynes, Associate Editor
October 1, 2003
Professional Remodeler
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The Web site features helpful tools such as a glossary of construction terms, information on obtaining permits and licenses, and a buyers' guide.
Ciaciuch stresses that the site differs from other consumer-targeted sites because it is not a referral service (and never will be, he says). Although contractors can pay $75 per category annually to be listed on the site's Gold Pages (which list three contractors per ZIP code per category, with slots assigned on a first-come, first-served basis), Ciaciuch is more interested in encouraging contractors to submit projects and/or tips and articles aimed at educating consumers about remodeling.
"Consumers think everything is supposed to be cheap, and maybe if they get to the point where they hear the truth and the facades are gone, they'll understand," Ciaciuch says. "We want to inform people about what really happens in the home improvement world. We want to refer people to qualified people or other Web sites that are doing good things. We want to promote good products and discourage people from bad situations with contractors with no license or insurance.
"If you educate more people, I think it could help the building industry because it will slowly get rid of the people who are operating under the auspices of being a contractor but really don't have the license, experience or ability. Those people hurt the whole industry."
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