Wilmington, DE · Member since 2018 · 9 posts · 5 votes
I've taken a leap of faith and am going to be investing into an area that I have never invested in before. I have a property under contract in the City of Philadelphia in the Francisville community. Property has lots of potential and will turn a great profit. However, my only concern is finding a reliable contractor in such a large city setting such as Philly.
What is the best way to go about finding a dependable, trustworthy contractor in such a large city? I have used apps like Thumbtack before that have been hit or miss (about 50/50) but would rather not leave such a large project in the hands of something that "may" work out. I have someone that will be able to perform some of the finishing carpentry work that I have used several times in the past, but do not have any solid connections with other trades...yet.
I also drove around Philly and collected a few cards from contractors actively working. It also provides you the opportunity to inspect the work while it is happening.
Wilmington, DE · Member since 2018 · 9 posts · 5 votes
8y
@Calvin Lipscomb It’s a really good method to finding contractors who are actually working and like you said, see their work happening while in the trenches.
Rental Property Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2015 · 480 posts · 362 votes
8y
I have been burned badly by contractors who I thought I vetted well enough -- recommendations, saw their work, signed contracts, etc etc. It is a very very important part of investing that can make or break you. I have 3 teams I use now for different types of work. Took me 2 years to get to the right people and a lot of money, time an stress under the bridge. The combination of honest, professional and with the ability to manage projects is not common - particularly for budget sensitive projects. I have a team I would love to recommend to you because after doing many projects with them I have a slow down in my own activity and I want them to stay busy because they are good. Fell free to PM me.