First house to flip, looking for contractors.

[Stefania Booth]

Hello all. We've finally purchased our first flip. Oh boy! Now the hard part, finding the contractors. Any suggestions on how to find reliable contractors in the Tampa area? Also need some major clean up, who do you call to clean up all the junk?

[Evan Polaski]

@Stefania Booth, local REIA groups can help. Also, stopping by job sites and asking for cards and if those contractors take on client work (some may work directly for that owner only). No harm in googling and making calls. As Nicholas mentioned, take your time. Flipping is a speed game, but hiring the wrong contractor will set you back in both time and money.

A couple things to ask about when talking to contractors: referrals are always helpful.  Biggest question is draw schedule.  I am fine paying draws that are tied to definitive milestones. Ideally it is sign a contract and pay upon completion, but a big job will have draws.  Any contractor that mentions draws on percentage completion (unless it is 100%) should be avoided.  I.e. 1/3 due up front, 1/3 due at 50% and 1/3 due upon completion is a huge red flag to me.

But X due upon completion of demo, Y due once all rough in inspections done, Z done when drywall is hung, mudded and sanded, I am fine with because those are easy yes/no items.