How do you find reliable contractors?

Question

I was wondering how other real estate investors or property managers around the area find and vet their contractors?

Matt Kukacka · Answer

I appreciate the reply!

Jules Aton · Answer

Most often through my Realtor then any subs the GC brings in who I happen to get to know.

Caleb Brown · Answer

Referrals from other vendors. FB groups are great for potential GCs but you have to vet, see their past projects and have them perform bids. Good GCs are tough to find. Any contractor you use don't pay a ton of front and do your homework.

Tyler Nash · Answer

Also just pay attention to who you see working on stuff when you drive around town. If you start seeing the same name/company repeatedly it's probably a good sign they're a decent contractor. Or on the flip side if you see a project that looks like a mess and it's taking forever, might be a good sign of someone not to reach out to.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Referrals is how you find anything good.....

Carson Nordmann · Answer

Referrals from other investors in the same market are usually more reliable than Yelp or Angi. Someone who just rehabbed a similar property nearby has already done the vetting. Local REIA meetups are the fastest way to get those names.

Peter Mckernan · Answer

I get referrals, work with GCs that work with the flippers that I know/current ones I work with on deals, meet at local meetups and vet by going to see their work. There are many things that can go wrong, but these are some basic ways I find them. The other ones are to make sure that they have never had anyone go after their bond, sued them for non-performance, and any other issued with them. The BBB is a good place to vet them and of course online places like Yelp and google reviews.

Noor Shams · Answer

Best ones I've found are through other investors in the market — ask who they're using and why. Also posting in local FB REI groups works surprisingly well. Once you find one solid contractor who does full rehabs, treat them like gold and ask who else they know. That network compounds fast.

Mohammed Rahman · Answer

Hey Matt,

I'd start by asking other investors, agents, and property managers for referrals. That's usually where I've found the best contractors because they've already been vetted by someone you trust.

From there, I'd verify their license and insurance, ask for a few recent references, and get quotes from at least 2 or 3 contractors. If possible, check out a project they've completed. I also pay close attention to communication. If they're responsive, transparent, and show up when they say they will, that's usually a good sign.

A little extra vetting upfront can save you a lot of time and money later. Hope that helps. My DMs are always open if you want to connect!

How do you find reliable contractors?

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