picking out new Contractors?

Question

1. how are you finding your network of Contractors in your market?

2. what is your checklist when selecting new contractors?

Ext: any bad experiences you can share to watch out for or try to avoid?

Kerry Noble Jr · Answer

drive around to areas with a lot of development and take cards. You can also see their work in real time also

Shiela R. · Answer

@Christopher Wynn.  Word of mouth!  I often offer to meet a new (to me) contractor at their current job with a cold/hot drink.  I can see what their work and workplace is like.  Are they smoking inside? Do they cover kitchen cabinets and appliances that are staying through a remodel?  Do they put down carpet protectors?  Is there trash everywhere?  Contractors are a dime a dozen.  GOOD contractors are rare.  Once you find them, treat them like gold and refer the heck out of them.  Also, the cheapest are rarely the best.  Don't haggle over a few thousand dollars.  Most good contractors won't tolerate that. It is worth paying for quality, professional work and a job that is completed on time and on budget.

Steven Foster Wilson · Answer

One way is by doing Social media, contractors tend to expose themselves out there to get more clients coming in. As for the checklist: #1 it is good to ask if they have pictures of other work that they have done. Sometimes, I will even go to their job they are working on to make sure they do a good job and are not a mess.  #2 It is always good to get a few different estimates, I will find someone on Facebook, a contractor, and a nice company and compare/contrast. #3 I learned this the hard way, always write a contract with the timeline and all this information. I have got burned one too many times now not to do that. They might not reach that timeline but atleast you have something to remind them of. If they aren't willing to go for it, don't waste your energy and find others. #4 Don't pay in full upfront. You should always use this as a means to ensure the completion of the job.

Chalie Parker · Answer

All of the above are wonderful suggestions! If I had to add anything, its references! Always call their references. Anybody can show pictures of good work, but you wont get their clients experience and point of view from pictures. Also it wont tell you how long that project took. Asking to see one of their current jobsites is a great idea too if they are working in an vacant property.

Would love to connect with you on future projects!

Chalie Parker · Answer

Great idea to find the early riser! However some contractors get materials the night before(as in our case, so we get a little more time to spend together as a family + our daughter loves lowes). I'd try asking the employees of your local lowes, home depot, or sherwin williams if they have any favorite regulars as well.

Ozzy Sirimsi · Answer

Some people go to home depot first thing in the morning and meeting people there. I guess idea if they show up early they are the responsible ones

Never tried so just sharing

picking out new Contractors?

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