want to get a contractor how do i get bids in my area

[Bobbie Dancy]

Hello my name is Bobbie I want to find contractors how do I get bids and referrals in my area; Cleveland, Ohio

[Ben Sears]

@Bobbie Dancy working with contractors is a little like dating. There's a lot of fish in the sea and they're not all for you. You dream about working with some and there's a lot of ugly ones that you want to steer clear of! There are a couple of decent ways to get contractors:

-Check your local building supply house (not the big box stores). Ask for references for specific trades. Don't go in asking for a list for every trade but if you're looking for a general contractor etc. just ask. Most places are happy to recommend a guy or two. More often than not, there's a contractor in there that has a buddy that does what you're looking for. 

-Show up to Lowes/HD/big box store at 7 am. Snag a few business cards from the guys getting material for the day. The guys that show up early are the guys that get work done. Contractors that shop for the day at 10 am are the contractors that show up to your jobsite at noon to start working. 

-You can chance it with Thumbtack, Craigslist, etc but you get what you pay for. I've had far more luck with Thumbtack than CL though. Be prepared to babysit a lot of these guys. 

Get a few bids. Take the middle one. Ask for references/pictures/referrals/licenses/insurance.