By KERI O’SHEA
Executive Officer, Builders Association of Central PA
CENTRE COUNTY — If you’ve ever read 100 reviews just to pick a pizza place or phone charger, imagine how much research you should do before choosing someone to remodel your home.
Hiring a remodeler is a major decision. This person or company will be making significant changes to your most valuable investment: your home. It’s smart to do your homework — and that often starts with online reviews.
But with so much information out there, how do you separate real experiences from fake praise (or angry rants)? Here’s how to read between the lines and make confident, informed choices when hiring a contractor in Centre County.
Proceed With Caution
Online platforms like Google and Yelp are packed with contractor reviews — but not all are created equal.
Some reviews are legitimate, some are exaggerated, and unfortunately, some are completely fake. The key is to read them critically and look for patterns, not just stars.
Keep in mind:
- An overwhelming number of glowing, generic reviews with vague phrases like “excellent service!” and no project details might be fake or paid.
- People are more likely to leave reviews after bad experiences than good ones, especially if something went wrong emotionally, not just technically.
- Reading at least a dozen reviews helps you spot consistent trends — good or bad. Is the same strength or weakness mentioned repeatedly?
- Check the reviewer’s location. Are they from Central PA or somewhere unrelated? Local reviews carry more weight for a local service provider.
Trust, But Verify
Online reviews are just one piece of the puzzle. The most reliable feedback still comes directly from previous clients.
If you don’t personally know anyone who’s hired the remodeler you’re considering, ask for references.
“A reputable remodeler should have no problem connecting you with recent clients,” says Keri O’Shea, Executive Officer of the Builders Association of Central PA. “They should be proud to show off their work and let past customers speak for them.”
When you contact references, ask:
- What kind of work did the remodeler do?
- Was the project completed on time and within budget?
- How was communication throughout the process?
- Would you hire them again?
Use Trusted Sites Wisely
Some online platforms do a better job of vetting their reviews than others. Here’s a quick guide:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB.org): A great starting point for checking complaint history and whether issues were resolved.
- Google & Yelp: Widely used, but be extra cautious of short, vague reviews or companies with no profile details.
“You want to see reviews that mention specific rooms, materials, timelines, or team members,” says O’Shea. “Those are signs of real, thoughtful feedback.”
Red Flags to Watch For
No references offered
Unlicensed or uninsured contractors
Pushy or evasive communication
Unusually low bids compared to others
Hiring a remodeler shouldn’t feel like a gamble. If something feels off, trust your instincts and move on.
Ask the Right Questions Before Signing Anything
Once you’ve narrowed your list based on reviews, don’t stop there. Interview your top picks and ask:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can you show me examples of similar projects?
- What’s your timeline and payment schedule?
- Who will be on-site day to day?
- How do you handle change orders or surprises?
The goal is to hire someone whose professionalism and communication match their craftsmanship.
Don’t Forget: Local = Accountable
Choosing a remodeler who lives and works in our community makes a difference. Local professionals have a reputation to uphold — not just online, but at the grocery store, youth sports games, and community events.
“Builders Association members are invested in this community,” says O’Shea. “They’re licensed, insured, and committed — because they live here too.”
Bottom Line
Online reviews can be incredibly helpful — as long as you read them with a critical eye and use them as one of several tools in your decision-making process. The more informed you are, the more likely you are to hire the right professional for your home.
Need Help Finding a Remodeler You Can Trust?
Visit www.centralpabuilders.com to browse local professionals who are members of the Builders Association of Central PA.
