- Industry Insight - Construction Industry

The Truth about Builders: Why does the construction industry—especially the remodeling and home improvement sectors—have such a poor reputation? Why do consumers invest so much time and effort in thoroughly vetting and qualifying the builder they choose to work with?

The U.S. construction industry, valued at $1.3 trillion annually, is the largest in the world. However, it is also one of the least regulated and easiest industries to enter. Most construction companies are owned and operated by one of three types of people: tradespeople, salespeople, or entrepreneurs. While each of these skill sets is valuable, none alone is sufficient to safely and effectively manage your project and finances. Despite this, homeowners entrust these often unqualified individuals with millions of dollars in down payments and progress draws every day. In Houston, Texas—a city known for its regulatory oversight—over 4,000 complaints, grievances, and lawsuits are filed against LICENSED contractors each year, highlighting the risks even in more controlled environments.

Whether rooted in trades or sales, most owners of modern building firms lack formal business or management knowledge. Well-funded and effective HR departments are almost nonexistent in the industry. Many subcontractors and tradesmen are unemployable by traditional standards, so they work for the only person who will hire them—themselves. Consequently, inexperienced and unprepared building contractors are forced to choose from a pool of questionable contractors to supply skilled labor for your project. This often leads to significant losses of time and money, directly tied to the builder’s poor hiring decisions.

Many of our clients are surprised to learn that a significant number of subcontractors in the building industry are, quite frankly, unemployable by traditional standards. Some cannot pass a basic background check, others struggle with punctuality, and many fail to meet the rules and expectations of a conventional workplace. Unfortunately, HR efforts are often overlooked when budgeting for a project, even though they are crucial for ensuring quality and reliability.

At ZeroDown Consulting, we’ve taken the guesswork out of the process by meticulously vetting and selecting skilled tradespeople who are not only reliable but also masters of their craft. Our extensive industry knowledge and experience give us a unique ability to identify true artisans who deliver exceptional results.

Many clients choose a remodeling contractor based on gut feelings, online information, or referrals—making a significant financial decision with limited and often unreliable data. At ZeroDown Consulting, we prioritize what truly matters: the design, budget, and management of your project. We empower you to maintain full control over your funds while we apply over four decades of hands-on building experience to your project.

By partnering with us, you can remove the fear and uncertainty from the process. We minimize your exposure to risk and loss, ensuring a smooth and successful project from start to finish.

- Our Creedo