Philadelphia Contractors ??

Question

Looking for real recommendations on investor-friendly, DEPENDABLE contractors in the area. Having many issues with permits and getting someone on the job of a Kensington row home. A little help would go a long way. Hoping someone in here can help. TY

Kevin Paulk · Answer

@Charles Kelly Hey ! A good tip that I use is take a look at your area and see who else is rehabing there property or who have recently rehabed there property. Look that property up on the city records website (L&I) and see if plans or permits were submitted. For the properties who did submit plans look at those documents, they have a contact number of the firm or person who submitted. Give them a call and schedule a appointment.

It might take a little digging on your end, because not everybody submits permits but very much worth it.

Good Luck

Kevin M. · Answer

@Kevin Paulk good idea- but I think you'll also find that the contractor listed on the permit is not actually doing the work. A lot of times contractors have some kind of "shell" entity they use and share solely to draw permits. The whole system is so backwards here in Philly and it seems every time they institute a new policy it just makes it worse.

You could try to swing by and introduce yourself to the workers and ask for a business card or phone number. Just make sure to let them know you come in peace...

You could try to swing by and introduce yourself to the workers and ask for a business card or phone number.  Just make sure to let them know you come in peace...

Account Closed · Answer

@Charles Kelly hey Charles I'd love to discuss I'll send you a dm

Karee Martin · Answer

Is this new construction? If so try working with a builder developer who doesn't mind traveling to do the leg work to hire a dependable team especially if your goal is to own as many doors and build rapidly.

Sheryl Sitman · Answer

@Charles Kelly taken me years to find my go to crew. Not something you find on an online portal. Let mevknow if you still need someone. I got a few good ones.

Stephen Mahler · Answer

@charles Kelly have you found any good ones yet? This has been my biggest obstacle. YOu would think it would be easier to find decent reliable contractors

Charles Kelly · Answer

Great idea Kevin Paulk.  I never thought to do that.  Its somewhat difficult in the Philly building permit center but that is a good thread to follow.   Especially since the cost of an Architect is pretty high but if they have already drawn up plans maybe more affordable to get a copy providing its the same design.

As Kevin M. said, the permits are misleading.  I've experienced it myself but thought I was the only one.  I hired a plumber, but when I saw the permit, someone else name was on it.  I was totally shocked.  When I asked at the L&I department, they just shrugged their shoulders and said, "yeah, it happens".  After seeing their work, I now know why they don't have a licenses.

I am also finding out why most investors that I talk to in Philadelphia are doing the work without permits.

Thanks guys.  I really appreciate you help.

Sanise Hass · Answer

@Charles Kelly ahhh I heard about that! I didn’t know it was official now! That’s insane!!

Charles Kelly · Answer

Thanks Sanise Hass.  I appreciate the help.

I've tried thumbtack, angies list, yelp and big pockets link to home advisor. talked with three of them, they each had different solutions to repairs and only one gave me a quote even though they all said they wanted the job.

Philadelphia has some strict building rules and paperwork.  We are now required to get an architect and engineer to draw up plans to submit with the building permit application or the city will not give me a permit.

Its just rehab of the interior of a row home.  Its unreal.

I'm gona try your home depot suggestion since I always there anyway.

Thank you so much.

Sanise Hass · Answer

Also try Thumbtack.com or task rabbit! Or going to Home Depot to the contractors desk! I did that before and found some good GC’s

Philadelphia Contractors ??

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