What Most Contractors Don’t Want You To Know

Last year, thousands of complaints and lawsuits were filed against contractors in the Pittsburgh area. Most homeowners never expect to be part of that number — until a job stalls, costs balloon, or corners get cut. The truth is, most problems aren’t caused by bad luck… they’re caused by hiring the wrong contractor.If someone in my own family were hiring a masonry or concrete contractor, here’s exactly what I’d tell them to look for — and what to avoid — so they never become another statistic.

1. Ask Who’s Actually Doing the Work
Many contractors sell the job, then hand it off to subcontractors you’ll never meet. Sometimes it gets passed down more than once. That’s where accountability disappears.

Ask this question directly:
“Is this your crew doing the work from start to finish?”
‍The best contractors keep everything in-house. One team. One standard. One company fully responsible for the result.

2. Make Them Explain the Price — Clearly
Most homeowners get burned on pricing because they never fully understand it.
A trustworthy contractor can calmly explain:
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- What you’re paying for
- Why materials were chosen
- How changes are handled
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If someone can’t explain their price without rushing or pressure, there’s usually a reason. Transparency is a sign of confidence — not weakness.

3. Reliability Matters More Than Promises
Here’s something most contractors won’t tell you:
How they act before the job starts is exactly how they’ll act once they have your deposit.
‍Pay attention to:

- Do they return calls?
- Do they show up when they say they will?
- Do they explain timelines honestly?

The biggest complaints homeowners file aren’t about craftsmanship — they’re about contractors who don’t show up. The best companies work consistently, weather permitting, until the project is finished.

4. Don’t Judge Skill Alone — Judge Character
Anyone can show photos. Not everyone builds with integrity.
Look for a contractor who:

- Cares about matching brick, mortar, and finishes
- Talks about long-term durability, not quick fixes
- Treats your home like it’s being lived in — because it is

Quality work lasts. But character determines whether it ever gets finished properly.

5. These Mistakes Cause Most Contractor Complaints
After years in the industry, the same problems show up again and again:

- Too many jobs started at once
- Work being subcontracted and delayed
- Cheap materials used where you can’t see
- Crews that change mid-project

If a contractor seems more focused on starting your job than finishing it, that’s a red flag.

Here's The Truth Most Contractors Hope You Never Learn

The cheapest contractor often costs the most in the end.
The most expensive one doesn’t automatically buy you peace of mind.
The best contractor is the one who shows up, explains clearly, works cleanly, and finishes what they start.

That’s the standard we believe protects homeowners.
And it’s the standard we build by every single day.