What factor is essential for determining a contractor’s reputation?

Customer reviews and satisfaction ratings are essential for determining a contractor's reputation because they provide direct insight into the experiences of past clients. Positive reviews reflect a contractor’s ability to deliver quality work, meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and resolve issues that may arise during a project. Potential clients often rely heavily on these ratings when selecting a contractor, as they offer a window into the reliability and integrity of the service provider.

While years in business can contribute to a contractor’s credibility, they do not guarantee satisfaction or quality of work. A large marketing budget may enable a contractor to promote their services, but it does not necessarily reflect the actual performance or customer experience. Membership in professional organizations can indicate a level of professionalism and commitment to industry standards, but it does not provide the same direct feedback from clients that reviews do. Therefore, customer feedback remains the most critical factor for assessing a contractor's reputation in a competitive market.