How do you find reliable contractors?

Question

I was wondering how other real estate investors or property managers around the area find and vet their contractors?

Matt Kukacka · Answer

I appreciate the reply!

Jules Aton · Answer

Most often through my Realtor then any subs the GC brings in who I happen to get to know.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Referrals is how you find anything good.....

Carson Nordmann · Answer

Referrals from other investors in the same market are usually more reliable than Yelp or Angi. Someone who just rehabbed a similar property nearby has already done the vetting. Local REIA meetups are the fastest way to get those names.

Peter Mckernan · Answer

I get referrals, work with GCs that work with the flippers that I know/current ones I work with on deals, meet at local meetups and vet by going to see their work. There are many things that can go wrong, but these are some basic ways I find them. The other ones are to make sure that they have never had anyone go after their bond, sued them for non-performance, and any other issued with them. The BBB is a good place to vet them and of course online places like Yelp and google reviews.

Noor Shams · Answer

Best ones I've found are through other investors in the market — ask who they're using and why. Also posting in local FB REI groups works surprisingly well. Once you find one solid contractor who does full rehabs, treat them like gold and ask who else they know. That network compounds fast.

Mohammed Rahman · Answer

Hey Matt,

I'd start by asking other investors, agents, and property managers for referrals. That's usually where I've found the best contractors because they've already been vetted by someone you trust.

From there, I'd verify their license and insurance, ask for a few recent references, and get quotes from at least 2 or 3 contractors. If possible, check out a project they've completed. I also pay close attention to communication. If they're responsive, transparent, and show up when they say they will, that's usually a good sign.

A little extra vetting upfront can save you a lot of time and money later. Hope that helps. My DMs are always open if you want to connect!

Doug Smith · Answer

That is really, really hard to answer. It's almost always word of mouth. I've had horror stories over the years. We have two borrowers that I know of right now in litigation with contractors. I've personally had to litigate against them. If you find a good one, watch them like a hawk, but stick with them provided they do what they promised they would do. The one thing you can't really do is to simply Google for them. Ask other prolific investors...ones that do a lot. You have to see a track record with someone you trust. That's my 2 cents.

How do you find reliable contractors?

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