How to find handyman

Question

I am an out of state investor. I've been having difficulty finding a good handyman and other other types of contractors.

Where I live I use Nextdoor a lot, but I've realized that I can only have 1 nextdoor account per phone number. I've tried looking at Facebook city pages but haven't had any luck.

How do y'all find the workers you use? Thanks!

Min Zhang · Answer

Hey Lauren, you can check with your agent to see if they have a contact they can pass along. I have a list of contacts that I can share with you

Kerlous Tadres · Answer

I’d recommend checking local real estate investor groups or property management companies for trusted contractor recommendations. You can also search Google and Yelp for highly-rated handymen. In my experience, networking with other investors is key. I have a list of contacts that I can share with you if needed.

Michael Smythe · Answer

The handymen with the best price/quality offer - are hard to find!

They don't need to advertise, everything is word of mouth.

They have so many clients coming at them, they don't mess around with bids and negotiations and everything else OOS investors want to waste time doing.

So, you'll be stuck with the "2nd tier" of handymen AT BEST! At least for several months or years until you network your way to one of the "1st tier" handymen - and then don't blow it.

Your challenge will be NOT getting taken advantage of by larger companies that "overcharge" and the hacks that take forever and never comeback to finish - but have great excuses.

Mackaylee Beach · Answer

Local Facebook groups can be quite beneficial; there are numerous groups dedicated to realtors and handymen. Joining these groups can provide valuable connections and resources for property management. Engaging with the community may lead to finding reliable contractors who can assist with repairs or renovations, as well as potential tenants looking for a new home.

Sandra Morrison · Answer

@Lauren Adair

I invest in out of state in 2-3 states since 2019. I join the local chapters of Real Estate Investors Association- in all 3 locations. They usually have recommended contractors or at least an FB group where one can ask.

I also join local Short term rental owner and local neighborhood FB groups and ask in those.

I also ask the realtor if I used a realtor.

It is definitely harder to invest out of state without any boots on the ground that you trust  that can verify work done, materials used, etc. even if you have a recommended contractor. It was a learning experience for us even when we were relying on a condo association hiring and paying for the contractor that was recommended by the condo association’s property management company. So many eyes on the project and still incorrect progress updates received, incorrect materials used, etc. It is frustrating and more time-consuming and sometimes it has been worth the extra hassle and sometimes it has not for us.

Daniel Mogilevsky · Answer

@Lauren Adair

Finding and maintaining good contractors in this area is notoriously difficult. If you are an out of state investor, I would recommend working with a property management company like myself. We have trusted networks of contractors that rely on us for continued business. The replies above are either out of state themselves, or from Columbus. I might also show as from Columbus, but most of the properties I own / manage are in Dayton. Different markets with different contractors.

David Peschio · Answer

I agree with all of these suggestions!I also recommend trying Thumbtack. This platform allows you to search for local professionals by entering your project details and location. It provides custom quotes, customer reviews, and business profiles.

Troy DeLong · Answer

@Lauren Adair  Did you use a local Real Estate Agent to purchase those properties with? A good agent will always have connections. As an agent, I pride myself in being well networked in my area and being able to refer good contractors / handymen to my OOS clients. If not, then I would recommend joining local REI groups on FB in your market and asking there.

Chase Busick · Answer

@Lauren Adair

Yeah I'd recommend getting referrals from those you may know in the area. Ask your agent, hop on Facebook & try to get into the investor groups & ask. Can look up online & may just have to go through a decent amount to find someone reputable at a good price. I know that for here, we have more handyman services popping up that you can go through.

Moving forward, I'd definitely try to find some more people that are extremely reliable, as well as contractors that can help with bigger renovations so you are better prepared later on in the future.

How to find handyman

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