How to find good contractors

Question

I am a relatively new investor and so far one of the most difficult challenges I face is finding reputable and reliable contractors and trades to complete projects for me.

Does anyone have any advice on how they found some of their best contractors and where I can look to find good contractors in my area?

Brian Balthasar · Answer

@Adah None that's a great tip!

Adah N. · Answer

@Brian Balthasar

I heard this on a podcast... look up some rehab projects in the areas you want to invest, or your local market. Look on the county website to see who pulled the permit, there is usually a contact info.

I recently called up a listing agent, he was happy to share the contractors contact info.

Brian Balthasar · Answer

@Bridgette Delva Thanks Bridgette, these are some great tips! The article is also very informative.

Bridgette Delva · Answer

Hi @Brian Balthasar that's always a tough question.  My husband owned a low voltage trade company for years and even he had a hard time finding other trade owners who were actually reputable AND knew their stuff!

Here's what I'd offer up as some tips to find and vet your trade contractors:

• Take advantage of your network first - ask for references so you can start building a list of contractors to assess.  Remember that a referral isn't a green light that the subcontractor is good but it helps you start getting some names
• Use Google, Yelp, Home Advisor, Angie's List and Better Business Bureau to find more contractors worthy of investigation
• Once you do have a solid list of say 5-10 contractors per trade, you can start researching them for reviews, ratings and other online peer reviews
• Look them up on your state's secretary of state to make sure they are a legit business
• Start calling them to talk to them about your project and to learn about their process. Do they perform an on-site survey? Do they charge for the on site? Do they provide a written/email proposal? Ask where can you see their work and ask for references.

As you talk to more contractors, you'll be able to assess if the knowledgable from the not.  You'll also be able to determine the real contractors from the handymen posing as contractors. Don't get me wrong, you need handymen on your team but not as a replacement for a specialized tradesman.

I'd recommend is that you do a some research on the project you're doing so you can develop a list of very project-specific questions; this will also serve as part of your "test".

Lastly, there are many books & articles that give more structured advice for finding contractors but here's one from Brandon at BP https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/home-renovations-find-great-contractors

• 
•