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One Simple Question - Four Complex Answers

The Home Modification Survey

Part 2: Finding a Qualified Contractor

The survey was one simple question; What is the most challenging part of the home
modification process? The most frequent answer: Finding a qualified contractor.

Although the industry is full of companies that include home modifications in their menu of
services, the survey indicates that finding a qualified contractor is still the biggest challenge with
home modifications. Regardless of who writes the policy, and regardless of who administers the

claim, you’re only as good as the provider completing the project. The contractor that puts the
hammer on the nail, can either make you the hero or the villain in the eyes of the injured worker.

They can be a center for cost containment or the author of fraudulent gouging. They can mitigate
risk or leave you and the injured worker in hazardous situations.

So how do you find a qualified contractor? If you do a quick search online, you’ll find quite an
assortment of construction companies in most geographical areas. Before you find a qualified

contractor, maybe you need more clarity on what “qualified” means. Does it simply mean
reputable? Does it mean a contractor that has experience in building homes for people with
disabilities? Does it mean a large multi-regional builder? Does it mean a smaller local builder?

Or does it mean all the above?

According to Oxford Dictionaries, “Qualified” is an adjective meaning, “officially recognized as
being trained to perform a particular job; certified” or “competent or knowledgeable to do

something; capable”.

Many contractors are licensed, but not all licensed contractors are qualified to complete home
modifications. Some contractors are qualified to complete home modifications, but even fewer are

qualified to complete home modifications in the workers’ compensation system. It’s often not
related to a skill set, but rather a mindset. It’s not only about ability, it’s about knowledge. It’s not

about what, it’s often about a why. It’s not only about what is being authorized, but why or why
not it is being authorized.

Some of the best contractors I know have made mistakes that have cost themselves and the

carrier thousands of dollars with good intentions based on the perception they were doing the
right or necessary thing.

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