How do I find a Decent Contractor?

[musclemom]

The subject says it all. We plan to get some outside work done (painting, cap the wood, some large bush removal, maybe more). I've NEVER, EVER had good luck with contractors. Either they don't arrive, or they don't want to give estimates, or they arrive, give estimates and then never show, it goes on and on ...

So how the hell do you find a good contractor??? Are there questions you definitely need to ask??? (I blow at home ownership, I really do ...) But please, please don't say talk to your neighbors, that's not an option, it's not what you'd call a real "touchy feely" kind of neighborhood.

TIA. Y'all know I'm good for my piddling little bit o'K

 

[Frisky]

Good Luck

I work in that industry and i have had plenty of unhappy homeowners. Do plenty of background checks is all i can offer you.

 

[tiger88]

cant believe i am paggy hill advice..

1. word of mouth
2. better buisness bureru (your local white trash town)
3. chamber of commerce
4. online message boards

basically word of mouth

5. check out what they done in the past ..ie referances
6. u shoulda got a double wide trailor

 

[UA_Iron]

I dont think there are decent contractors. Well we've had more bad ones then good ones. Sad when you have to threaten a civil suit to get stuff done.

 

[big4life]

Call several different contractors. Ask for references, and make sure the references let you come over and see the work. Finally, make sure you get the right contractors for the job. It sounds like you are going to need at least a couple different contractors. You will need a landscape contractor for the yardwork, and a painting contractor for the other. I wouldn't try to hire one to do all that.

 

[Frisky]

btw, do you really need a contractor? Can't you contract it all out yourself and hire a painter, and someone to do the landscape work? Can you be available to over see the project?

 

[DannoMight]

Originally Posted by Ezrulie
btw, do you really need a contractor? Can't you contract it all out yourself and hire a painter, and someone to do the landscape work? Can you be available to over see the project?

This would be a better option as some contractors are more job specific. i.e. some prefer framing, or concrete, landscaping, etc. It might be a pain in the ass but you have a better chance of getting the work done. Just remember to either ask for referances or ask around about their quality.

I know when I do any type of residential work There is always someone stopping to ask if I can do some work for them. So you could also stop at a worksite and find contractors. This way you can see what kind of work they do before even bothering with an estimate.

 

[musclemom]

btw, do you really need a contractor? Can't you contract it all out yourself and hire a painter, and someone to do the landscape work? Can you be available to over see the project?

"You must spread some Karma around before giving it to Erzulie again." I'll catch ya up

Industry specific terminology I love it! You're right, I work from home, I'll be overseeing the job ... and we're not flush enough to do the general contractor thing ... I'm so darn innocent I'd didn't realize that these companies that offer "we do it all" are probably acting as a general contractor ... I guess it could have good and bad sides. You pay more, but probably with none of the headaches.

God I'm dreading this ... I'm tired of living in the Addams family house, but I'm just DREADING making these calls.

 

[musclemom]

This would be a better option as some contractors are more job specific. i.e. some prefer framing, or concrete, landscaping, etc. It might be a pain in the ass but you have a better chance of getting the work done. Just remember to either ask for referances or ask around about their quality.

I know when I do any type of residential work There is always someone stopping to ask if I can do some work for them. So you could also stop at a worksite and find contractors. This way you can see what kind of work they do before even bothering with an estimate.

I have a card from guy whose company was doing ALL sorts of stuff on this house ...

 

[Frisky]

Hiring a contractor IMO is a waste of money if you have the time to oversee the project. Most people think if they get someone else there will be no problems, and thats bull! Get some references, ALOT of them. Start with your local lumber stores and go from there. If you are home alot you can check in on the painters to make sure the job is getting done to YOUR specs.

I plan on building in the next year or two, working on my plans now... I will subcontract it all out myself. I know it will take me longer to get it done, but its worth it to me, I'll have it done the way I want, to my requirements.

 

[Raina]

You could contact NARI (national association of remodelers inc) and get a book of the liscenced contractors in the state. You can always ask them for references and also credit references to make sure they pay their vendors.

 

[Deterass]

You need a handyman to give you a quote.

P.S. Don't pay him util the work is finished.

 

[Frisky]

You need a handyman to give you a quote.

P.S. Don't pay him util the work is finished.

oh I agree!

Had a roofer come and give me a quote to do patch work on my roof from the hurricane, beings im never home I went ahead and wrote a check for him right then and he said he'd have it finished that day....

Three days passed, no call! Avoided my calls like the damn plague, so I had my X (whom knows who this guy is and sees him daily because my X works in retail lumber) and well, the next day my roof was finished.

The guy showed up at my door that morning to assure me he would finish it that day, and I made sure he got a lil ol piece of my mind.

 

[EnderJE]

lol...we all have stories like that...

I had to sue one before he finished my basement. Then, we left that house. Surprise, surprise, the new owners are having problems with the basement.