Why is there widespread distrust toward renovation and painting companies?

In recent years, growing distrust has emerged among clients toward companies in the renovation and construction sector. This distrust can be explained by several key factors:

1. Increasing cases of poor workmanship and fraud:

Media reports of poorly executed work or blatant fraud have damaged the sector’s reputation. Mismanaged, abandoned, or significantly delayed sites have left clients in difficult situations, increasing their reluctance to trust a professional.

2. Easy access to online information:

Thanks to the internet, clients can compare prices, techniques, and even find DIY advice. While this can inform them, the abundance of data can also lead to misinformation, unrealistic expectations, or confusion about the true cost and timing of professional work.

3. Higher expectations for speed and service:

The digital economy, with instant services like Amazon or Uber, has changed consumer expectations. Clients now expect fast execution and immediate communication. However, in renovation, where quality trumps speed, these expectations can lead to frustration.

4. Negative personal experiences:

Many clients have had disappointing experiences with contractors or tradespeople due to lack of transparency, budget overruns, or missed deadlines. Even if rare, such experiences reinforce a general distrust toward new projects.

5. Complexity of the work and unforeseen issues:

Renovation projects are often complex and may reveal unexpected issues once work begins (hidden defects, damaged materials, etc.). While these are normal for professionals, clients often perceive them as signs of poor preparation or incompetence.

6. Social media and viral influence:

Social media amplify stories of failed projects or scams, feeding a collective distrust of the building industry. Viral posts about a client’s bad experience can reinforce negative stereotypes—even if they reflect only a minority of cases.

7. Complex regulations and bureaucracy:

Renovation projects often involve heavy bureaucracy, including permits and compliance with current standards. These administrative requirements, often misunderstood by clients, may lead them to believe that professionals exploit the system’s complexity to inflate costs.

How does an established company address this reality?

Fully aware of this general distrust, Ateliers Thomquin—a renovation and painting company with over 30 years of experience passed down through four generations—has embraced these challenges and implemented practical measures to meet client expectations and ease their concerns.

  1. Transparency and continuous communication: Ateliers Thomquin follows a fully transparent policy on timing, costs, and unexpected issues. Each client is kept informed of progress with clear explanations of decisions made.
  2. Expertise passed down over four generations: With 30 years of experience and heritage expertise, the company anticipates challenges and offers swift, informed solutions.
  3. Commitment to deadlines and clear estimates: Ateliers Thomquin has built its reputation on strict respect for announced timelines and budgets. Each project includes a clear, precise estimate to shield clients from unpleasant surprises.
  4. Modern tools for regular monitoring: The company uses up-to-date methods to deliver consistent and detailed feedback. By visiting sites every one to two days, Ateliers Thomquin ensures strong on-site presence and reliable supervision, giving clients peace of mind.
  5. Full administrative support: Ateliers Thomquin can manage or guide clients through all necessary administrative steps to ensure compliance with applicable regulations—removing this burden from their shoulders.
  6. Reassurance through social proof: Understanding the power of social media, Ateliers Thomquin regularly shares client testimonials, before/after photos, and certified reviews on trusted platforms to build confidence in its work.

“Craftsmanship cannot be automated: it combines tradition and expertise to create what machines cannot.”

Visit our services page to discover how Ateliers Thomquin can assist you with your project!