Tips for finding good contractor referrals

[Tyler Livingstone]

Hello everyone

I am looking for a contractor in the Indianapolis area.  Looking to hook up with out of state investors to see what contractors you recommend.  Hoping you can share experiences good and bad to help me make a good choice.   

Thanks in advance!

Tyler

[John Clevenger]

Tyler,

See you are utilizing the forums in a great way!

I have a handful of contractors I have had success with in the past. 

Feel free to text me individually and I'll send over some information.

317-771-2228

[Andrew Postell]

@Tyler Livingstone I see you have a response already but you should absolutely be leaning on other, local real estate investors on who they use.  None of this going on the internet stuff...that will lead to a disaster.  Use contractors that other investors have already worked with.  It's not foolproof but it will help limit the risk here.  If those contractors above work out, great.  If you want to continue to search, then join some Indiana/Indianapolis real estate investor group pages on facebook and ask other investors there.  You'll probably have some contractors say "use me" type of thing.  I appreciate people trying to earn business but you need to work through references if you are following me.  Thanks!

[Tyler Livingstone]

Quote from @Andrew Postell:

@Tyler Livingstone I see you have a response already but you should absolutely be leaning on other, local real estate investors on who they use.  None of this going on the internet stuff...that will lead to a disaster.  Use contractors that other investors have already worked with.  It's not foolproof but it will help limit the risk here.  If those contractors above work out, great.  If you want to continue to search, then join some Indiana/Indianapolis real estate investor group pages on facebook and ask other investors there.  You'll probably have some contractors say "use me" type of thing.  I appreciate people trying to earn business but you need to work through references if you are following me.  Thanks!

Great advice. I will do. 

Thanks 

Tyler 

[Harvey Levin]

Quote from @Andrew Postell:

@Tyler Livingstone I see you have a response already but you should absolutely be leaning on other, local real estate investors on who they use.  None of this going on the internet stuff...that will lead to a disaster.  Use contractors that other investors have already worked with.  It's not foolproof but it will help limit the risk here.  If those contractors above work out, great.  If you want to continue to search, then join some Indiana/Indianapolis real estate investor group pages on facebook and ask other investors there.  You'll probably have some contractors say "use me" type of thing.  I appreciate people trying to earn business but you need to work through references if you are following me.  Thanks!

I recommend asking other investors for contractors they have worked with either several times or for someone who did the work over 12 months ago. Many times the poor quality doesn't show up right away. We are dealing with a client who now has major electrical issues and concrete poured into the basement drain after the contractor patched the basement walls. Plumbing issues also may not show up for several months. Pex for instance, if not installed correctly can leak at the connection joints.   Also, make sure you have a Certificate of Insurance including not only liability but work Comp Insurance. Anyone injured on the job be it a 1099 or an employee can go after the owner of the property  if whoever hired them does not have a Work Comp policy and nothing can be put in writing to avoid this.  

[Eliott Elias]

Spend your weekends driving through neighborhoods that have flip activity and ask for every business card from contractors you see working. 

[John Mocker]

Tyler

Once you have a potential contractor, have them send you an Insurance certificate.  The certificate should show:

1. General Liability

2. Workers comp.

3. Business Auto (if they do not own the vehicle it should show hired & non-owned auto coverage)

I would suggest drafting a contract with an attorney  for use on your projects.   Some of the things your attorney may suggest are:

- requiring the contractor to require the same coverage of any sub that they bring onto the property

- strong hold harmless clause in your favor

discuss it also with an insurance agent experienced with construction.  Discuss:

-what limits to require

- additional insured status

- 30 day notice of cancellation

- waiver if subrogation

- primary and non-contributory 

good luck with the project

[Jim Canull]

100% agree on contacting investor friendly realtors who have had good experiences  Generally someone who has been in the business for at least 10 years +

[Emeka Attoh]

Quote from @John Mocker:

Tyler

Once you have a potential contractor, have them send you an Insurance certificate.  The certificate should show:

1. General Liability

2. Workers comp.

3. Business Auto (if they do not own the vehicle it should show hired & non-owned auto coverage)

I would suggest drafting a contract with an attorney  for use on your projects.   Some of the things your attorney may suggest are:

- requiring the contractor to require the same coverage of any sub that they bring onto the property

- strong hold harmless clause in your favor

discuss it also with an insurance agent experienced with construction.  Discuss:

-what limits to require

- additional insured status

- 30 day notice of cancellation

- waiver if subrogation

- primary and non-contributory 

good luck with the project

 This is golden

[Shango Collier]

Quote from @John Clevenger:

Tyler,

See you are utilizing the forums in a great way!

I have a handful of contractors I have had success with in the past. 

Feel free to text me individually and I'll send over some information.

317-771-2228

 Hi John, do you mind if I reach out regarding this same concern? I’m in seek of a general contractor for multiple projects and would like someone who comes highly recommended. 

[Shango Collier]

Quote from @John Mocker:

Tyler

Once you have a potential contractor, have them send you an Insurance certificate.  The certificate should show:

1. General Liability

2. Workers comp.

3. Business Auto (if they do not own the vehicle it should show hired & non-owned auto coverage)

I would suggest drafting a contract with an attorney  for use on your projects.   Some of the things your attorney may suggest are:

- requiring the contractor to require the same coverage of any sub that they bring onto the property

- strong hold harmless clause in your favor

discuss it also with an insurance agent experienced with construction.  Discuss:

-what limits to require

- additional insured status

- 30 day notice of cancellation

- waiver if subrogation

- primary and non-contributory 

good luck with the project

 Great info