I walked through the front door and stopped in my tracks. The hardwood floors were drying, catching the light just enough to shine. The final coat of polyurethane was smooth and perfect. It was exactly what we hoped for — and I hadn’t done a thing.
After weeks of guessing our way through DIY projects, I had a new appreciation for the skill, planning, and persistence contractors need to do this every day.
We pushed through the usual new homeowner panic that comes from watching too much Holmes on Homes and second-guessing every decision. Eventually, we realized we couldn’t do it all ourselves, so we brought in the pros. Throughout our renovation, we worked with a few great contractors. They delivered quality work and made our house feel more like home.
But the ones I recommend to friends and neighbors? The ones whose names I underline and star in my planner? They did more than good work. They kept us in the loop.
Skill Isn’t Always Enough
Plenty of contractors are good at the job. They care about the quality of their work and they leave behind results that speak for themselves. But good work doesn’t always get remembered. It gets overshadowed by frustration, by clients feeling like they were in the dark the whole time.
When a homeowner feels forgotten, they don’t talk about your craftsmanship. They talk about how they never knew when you’d be back. How they had to chase you down for updates. How the silence made them wonder if you’d even finish the job.
That’s why good contractors lose the referral. Not because the work wasn’t there. Because the connection wasn’t.
Homeowners Want to Feel Seen
I didn’t need a daily phone call or a long email. I wasn’t expecting perfection. What I wanted was quick, clear updates. Just enough to know what was happening and when.
Progress photos. A quick note about a delay. A message confirming that the crew would be back tomorrow. Small things that make a big difference. Especially when you’re living in a half-finished house and trying to keep it all together.
That kind of communication builds trust. It shows you care — not just about the work, but about the people living in the middle of it.
Your Crew Has the Answers
One of the best contractors we worked with did something different. From day one, they made it easy to follow what was happening without me having to chase them down. And it wasn’t because they called every day or sent long emails. It was simpler than that.
Their crew was on the ground. They saw the progress, the hiccups, and the little victories. They knew what got done each day and what still needed attention. And they had the right tool to share it.
The Right Tool Makes It Easy
They used CompanyCam. Whenever a crew member snapped a photo, it automatically sorted into a shared project timeline. I didn’t need to text for an update or wonder what was happening. I could open a link and scroll through real-time photos and notes while standing in line at Target.
They didn’t just document—they collaborated. They left comments on photos. Drew directly on images to point things out. Tagged team members to move things forward. No extra emails. No back-and-forth texts.
Because of that, I always felt in the loop. And more importantly, I trusted them. That’s why they’re the ones I recommend.
Reviews That Speak for You
The contractor we referred didn’t just finish the job — they left a lasting impression. Later, when I shared their name with friends, I also shared something else: their CompanyCam review page.
That page didn’t just show photos of the finished project. It had honest feedback from real clients. Comments about how easy it was to get updates, how professional the crew was, and how the whole process felt more manageable. Reading through those reviews, it was clear this wasn’t a one-time thing. They worked like this on every job.
With CompanyCam Reviews, contractors can request and display client feedback directly on their profile. It’s built into the same tool they’re already using to track progress and share updates. That means no extra steps — and more proof that the experience matches the results.
Communication Is Part of the Job
You use the right tools for every other part of the project. Don’t let communication be the piece that’s left behind.
Your work deserves to be talked about. Remembered. Referred. The easiest way to get there? Keep your clients in the loop.
