How do I find a good contractor near me?
Ask Friends, Relatives and Co-Workers for References People in your neighborhood who have done similar projects are great resources. If you know anyone in the building trades, ask them as well. Employees of local hardware stores may also be able to provide contractor referrals.
How do I find local contractors?
Here's how to find a local contractor for your project:Begin your search through friends and online. Before you can choose a contractor, you first have to find one. ... Do your renovation homework. ... Talk with prospective contractors at length. ... Ask about references. ... Get a detailed estimate. ... Agree on a contract.
How do I choose the right contractor?
How to Choose the Best Contractor for the JobObtain multiple bids. ... Consider the needs of your specific project. ... Take note of their communication style. ... Consider their availability. ... Check to make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. ... Meet their team and subcontractors. ... Check reviews and references.Mar 30, 2020
How do I talk to a contractor?
With a few helpful tips, you can talk to contractors confidently and on your terms.Establish A Communication Schedule for Renovations. ... Construction Workers' Accommodations. ... Ask for All Renovation Changes in Writing. ... Renovation Progress Reports and Walkthroughs. ... Be Clear and Direct.Jan 22, 2019
What should you not say to a contractor?
Seven Things to Never Say to a ContractorNever Tell a Contractor They are the Only One Bidding on the Job. ... Don't Tell a Contractor Your Budget. ... Never Ask a Contractor for a Discount if You Pay Upfront. ... Don't Tell a Contractor That You Aren't in A Hurry. ... Do Not Let a Contractor Choose the Materials.More items...
How good is Angie's List?
Angie's List gave it an F, while the BBB gave it an A+. Yelp users gave the company an average of 2.5 stars out of 5, while 40% of Consumers' Checkbook subscribers rated the company as “superior.”Sep 18, 2013
How do I protect myself when hiring a contractor?
Protect Yourself When Hiring a ContractorGet Proof of Bonding, Licenses, and Insurance. ... Don't Base Your Decision Solely on Price. ... Ask for References. ... Avoid Paying Too Much Upfront. ... Secure a Written Contract. ... Be Wary of Pressure and Scare Tactics. ... Consider Hiring Specialized Pros for Additional Guidance. ... Go With Your Gut.Sep 7, 2021
What should I look for in a remodeling contract?
7 Things Every Remodeling Contract Must HaveA description of the project. ... How (and how often) the contractor will be paid. ... Lien waivers. ... Approximate project dates. ... A procedure for changes. ... An escape hatch. ... Signatures.Mar 9, 2015
How do you tell if a contractor is ripping you off?
Here are the 20 signs of a bad contractor, according to the pros:They Don't Have Good Reviews. ... They Overcommit to Work. ... They Lack the Necessary Experience. ... They Start Work, Disappear, Then Start Again. ... Their Rates Are Significantly Lower Than Others. ... They Don't Get the Right Permits. ... They Don't Like Written Agreements.More items...•May 28, 2019
What are good questions to ask a contractor?
5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a ContractorWould You Please Itemize Your Bid? ... Is Your Bid an Estimate or a Fixed Price? ... How Long Have You Been Doing Business in This Town? ... Who Are Your Main Suppliers? ... I'd Like to Meet the Job Foreman — Can You Take Me to a Project He's Running.
Why do contractors not call back?
Reason #1: They're busy. “I would say that half of the time, it is not that contractors are ignoring your calls, it is simply that they are busy and they forget," says Teris Pantazes, founder of Settle Rite, a Baltimore, MD home improvement contractor focused on inspection repairs for homeowners.May 13, 2019
Why is it easier to find someone who has done work for another investor?
It is usually easier to find someone that has done work for another investor. This is mainly because they will likely understand that you are not looking for regular homeowner prices. You bring them the benefit or more jobs and more work. You help them by providing a way for them to avoid having to constantly find more work and compete for jobs.
What to do once you have chosen your new go to guy?
Once you’ve selected your new ‘go-to’ guy and have them do a job , be ever mindful of anything that doesn’t leave you with a good feeling. Sometimes people will do an amazing act to get the job and then almost immediately do the opposite of what they promised.
How many references should I ask my contractor?
Although your Contractor may have an impressive portfolio, it's important to also ask your contractor for a list of at least 3 references that you can call and ask for feedback. Ask your Contractor for references from past clients, other real estate investors, agents, inspectors or subcontractors.
What should my insurance cover?
The insurance should cover: Bodily injury to you, your family or visitor's of the property. Any accidental damage to your property. Workman's compensation for injuries to the contractor's or subcontractors employees. PRO TIP. Ask your Contractors to provide a 'Certificate of Insurance' which will provide proof that the contractor is currently ...
Get a Recommendation
If you’re looking for a movie recommendation, which source do you trust…
Online Recommendations
Of course there are a million different places that you can look online to try to find reviews as well for a contractor. Like I mentioned in the previous section, you don’t want to rely on one that only has a couple of reviews. Find one with dozens or even hundreds.
General Contractor vs Subcontractor
Before I dive into hiring your contractor, there’s another option to consider.
Picking Your Contractor
Okay. You’ve done some preliminary research, and you think you’ve got a good contractor that you might like to hire. At this point, you still shouldn’t just hire the contractor because you’ve done a bit of research!
Interview Process
First, you’re going to do a basic interview with them. I recommend asking for a resume, or basically a portfolio of examples of some work they’ve done, how many projects do they do per year, and how long it usually takes them. Some contractors won’t be willing to do this…so don’t go with them. There are plenty of contractors out there.
Conclusion
Whew! That’s a lot…but it’s essential in my opinion. The better you do this step, the more likely you are to make a profit! And then hopefully you can find someone who you can trust and can bring multiple deals to.
