In today’s digital world, online reviews are often the first place homeowners turn when searching for a contractor. It’s natural to gravitate toward the companies with the best ratings — after all, who wouldn’t want the “perfect” contractor?
But here’s an uncomfortable truth many homeowners don’t realize:
A contractor with all perfect 5-star reviews might not be the safest choice. In fact, it can be a sign of something off.
Before you hire your next builder, remodeler, or tradesperson, here’s why you should pause if the reviews seem too perfect — and how to protect yourself.
No company is perfect. Even the best contractors occasionally deal with:
A reputable contractor handles these challenges professionally — but they still happen. And when they do, you’d expect at least an occasional 4-star or even 3-star review.
If a contractor has tens or hundreds of reviews and not a single one is less than 5 stars, something doesn’t add up.
Authentic businesses show a mix of experiences because real customers have real expectations.
Unfortunately, the home-improvement industry is no stranger to manipulated online reputations. A perfectly clean review profile can be the result of:
Some platforms even allow businesses to “contest” reviews, which means honest criticism might never see the light of day.
A flawless rating doesn’t always reflect flawless work — sometimes it reflects flawless editing.
A few moderate reviews can actually help you.
Here’s why:
A 4.7-star rating with thoughtful responses to criticism is much more trustworthy than a wall of perfect 5s with no context.
When you’re checking reviews, look at the tone and professionalism of the contractor’s replies.
Ask yourself:
A contractor who communicates respectfully online is likely to communicate respectfully during your project.
Here are a few red flags to keep an eye on:
If the pattern feels unnatural, trust your instincts.
When researching contractors, prioritize:
These factors provide a much clearer picture of whether a contractor will deliver quality work.
No contractor should be judged solely on their worst review or their best review. What matters most is:
A contractor with a realistic mix of feedback is almost always a safer bet than one with a spotless, too-good-to-be-true profile.
Perfect 5-star reviews may look impressive — but they shouldn’t be the deciding factor.
When you see a contractor with nothing but flawless feedback, view it as a sign to dig deeper, not a green light to hire blindly.
Trust the pattern, not the perfection.
