How to pick a good contractor

Question

Dear BP family,

I have a million dollar question.

How can I find a good, honest and inexpensive contractor?

What things to look for, what techniques should I implement, what hints and signs to pay attention to?

Thank you all in advance,

Eli M

Dutch Langley · Answer

We have been GCs for years...now doing flips for ourselves 90% of the time, which makes us very happy.  There is always a trade off.  Chances of you getting someone who is very good, quick, and cheap isn't going to happen.  If you have a triangle with time, cost and quality as your 3 point, you will give up some on one area and it will cost you in another area.  If you want someone that is great, it will probably cost more and/or they might booked out for weeks.  If you want someone who is cheap, chances are you are going to get a lower quality.  I have a number of subs I use on our properties.  They cost more, but the trade off is I know it will be done right.  I literally can give them my scope and not show up for a couple of weeks and voila, I have a new bathroom/kitchen, etc..  I have experienced the other side as well. Not fun.  And at this point in my life, I am all about fun...fun..fun.  Network with other investors and ask who they use and why.  Have them give you referrals.

Matthew Paul · Answer

@Dutch Langley  said it very well .  I will have to add that Good and honest contractors have learned they dont have to be inexpensive , nor do they have to advertise .

George W. · Answer

Your looking for a unicorn.

Why would the best contractor who does great work and does things by the book also be the cheapest?

one thing I've learned is the cheapest price in construction industry is the going out of business rate.

If your okay with paying the cheaper contractors than you trade off the quality or the honesty. You cant have all three just like Dutch said.

Alot of great contractors acutally refuse to work for small investors because all they want is things done cheap.

Owen Dashner · Answer

First, (big picture) make it your mission to help other people's businesses by becoming a connector for them with people or resources they need.  If you do this selflessly, you will get people that want to help you just by default for being a good person.  Also, join or start a local meetup group and Facebook group for investors.  Get to know the active investors who attend and seem to have an abundance mindset, and ask them for referrals to good contractors and tradesmen.  That is by far the best way.  Don't waste your time around people that are super guarded about giving out their contacts and "secrets".  Life is too short to be surrounded by small minded people.

Jaron Walling · Answer

Let other investors find them for you!

I've found the best contractors via networking and asking contractors for referrals. I call the person and get the real facts. The first contractor I ever hired was for roofing. He had done 20 roofs for another investor. If the communication is good, the price is right, and the job gets done on time you have a winner.

How to pick a good contractor

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