What do RE Investors/Flippers want to know about Contractors and Construction?

[Tatiana R.]

I'm hoping to get some ideas on what I should write about/ share on our business Facebook page regarding contractors and construction for investors.

My guy is a contractor in LA and Orange County. I started learning how to make a Facebook page for his business about two years ago. I work as a freelance writer and am still learning about construction. He has been in construction since we first met over 25 years ago.

We had fun watching "Catch a Contractor" episodes when I wrote for Yahoo Contributors (now defunct). We would watch the show together and I would ask my ignorant questions. Then, I turned his answers into helpful articles for Investors.

Without Yahoo Contributors being live anymore, I have been wondering what to put on our Facebook page to help others as they prepare for hiring contractors. Any ideas would be appreciated!

So far, my brainstorm list:

More "Catch a Contractor" reviews

Forms to use to help estimate rehab/remodel costs

and then my brain shuts down!

Mostly, I think of what clients get frustrated with that they didn't anticipate: permit delays, ordering doors or cabinets that are on back-order and cause delays, not specifying brands of paint colors, fixtures, etc. - there is such a variety of things that we know cause delays, but seem to surprise clients. I'd like to clear up some of those things so Investors are more prepared and educated about the process. Sound like a plan?

Again, thanks for any ideas!

[Manolo D.]

Hello fellow contractor, I would like to contribute with the most basic problem with investors I give prices two, I tried to work with them but, now i learned some specifics along the way.

1. They should know what they want. I strictly am a contractor, if you give me a scope and a plan, I could bid on it perfectly, if you keep on pointing I need this done, and this, and this, I couldn't picture out the outcome vs the real actual, leading to debates, costly expectations, and issues with changes. 

2. Each and every walk with another contractor, they add/deduct scope, and a $2,000 difference is $2,000 from an investment profit. They should write expectations on what the job is for.

3. Specifications are also important, glidden price is different from dunn edwards, cabinet finishes, color on countertops vary a lot from tiger all the way to the gallo lines or even absolute black.

The point on all of these to be written down, is, investors should know these products, because these are "selling" points when the job is finished. Even with a seasoned residential contractor, views and selling ideas vary from investor to investor.

Right now, I am only bidding on jobs that have plans, that way, I do not upset investors, nor I would have unexpected expenses due to "change of mind" issues.