What Is A Girl To Do

Question

With the hot, hot investing market in Philadelphia and the onslaught of real estate development I am incurring a problem that I don't know how to handle.  I have been so frustrated by this problem that I stepped away from investing 7 months ago.  However, I believe that real estate investing is the key to financial freedom, so I am stepping back in.

Now I am turning to the always helpful and insight folks here for advice, recommendations, and some much needed encouragement.

The Problem?  I Cannot Find Honest, Responsible, Their Word is Their Bond Contractors!  I can make the contacts easy enough.  Some return calls, so don't...to be expected.  But it is the ones who actually show up, walk the property with you, promise a quote and you never hear from them again that make me sick!  I sometime wonder if I were a man, would I be treated differently.

BPer's if you have a trustworthy, honest, reliable contractor(s) that would be willing to take on small ( example, primary residence kitchen renovation) and large projects ( i.e., complete single family rehab) I would like to hear from you.  If you have someone who only installs floors or do tiling, I would like to hear from you.  If you have someone who only installs kitchens, I would like to hear from you. If you have advice or best practices on how to get a contractor to return a call or deliver on a promise, I would like to hear from you.  If you are a contractor and believe in simple values (say what you mean and mean what you say) I would love to hear from you!!!

While not ideal, at this point I will piece meal my projects in an attempt to get them done.

Phil Brannock · Answer

Paulette -

That is a terribly frustrating moment, and I think we - even the men- have all shared in that experience that you talk about.  However, a few things to think about in your contractor search:

1- what is YOUR tried and true method that you are using to bring in these contractors in the beginning?  This can be the most difficult part, since initial impressions can make a huge difference in the type of contractor you attract to your project.  Is it just a guy walking around the home depot, that you came across?  Is it from a local web page like thumbtack ( which I have used) ? Or, are they referred to you by other folks who have used them? I recommend using the last option, even if it is just a neighbor who thought they did good work...

2- if you reach out via an advertisement, like craigslist, or thumbtack or angies list, have them meet you at your project and have them provide some basic info. Licensed and insured?  Great handyman, but doesn't have a license?  Two different types of folks right there, and that doesn't even START to touch the gamut of contractors, so get folks who are doing this for a living, not a side job.

3 - Next, but most important to me, once you meet, take a look at their truck. Is it barely getting there , smoking and dirty, no advertising, maybe a magnetic sign?  Or is it clean, tools look used but cared for, and the person has a professional demeanor?  Also, once you find a guy that you can count on to show up, ask him who else he can refer to you for other projects.  On that note, if you worked with folks in the past that are too busy for your current job, find out who THEY would hire or recommend to you to hire, if the job was outside their specialty.

4- And lastly, reach out to your other investors in your area - REI groups, trades groups, etc.. and meet some of those folks.  Trades guys know each other usually, especially the good ones, and they talk about how to improve their business all the time.  Find out what time the guys show up in the morning at the local HD , and talk to some of them about your project, and find out who has a good rep from the pro desk.

These are a few things I use to 'vet' my contractors, and it has worked for me so far.... good luck in your search....

Julie Marquez · Answer

It's a tough market to find good contractors and subs right now, everyone is feeling your pain. I also work in commercial construction, and we are having the same issues. I've found the best leads for my residential job from the local lumber / hardware store (not the big box store). Making friends with the staff at this old-timer store has given me the best leads for subs. And while it's taking me a lot of time, I'm having to meet with 5 different subs per trade! Not ideal, but what I have to do in this great economy! Hopefully all the time is worth it so that I have a great, trustworthy team in the end.

Matthew Paul · Answer

This isnt meant to be personal , BUT contractors like to read potential clients , at the first sign that they are looking to get work done cheaply , most real contractors wont bother .  Every contractor I know is busy right now , including myself . We have jobs lined up and waiting . There is no reason to lower prices , its the opposite , prices are going up .

If you are in a "hot" market , you have to buy right , thats where you make your money . In a hot market you will have to pay more for a good , reliable and professional contractor .

Laureen Youngblood · Answer

"from the local lumber / hardware store"  This is the BEST!

One of my favorite recommendations are the local owned lumber yards -they work with these contractors every day and know which ones show up, plan and pay their bills.

Contractors - The Final Frontier!

this is my blog post on this topic.  I have been a female in construction directly or indirectly for over 40 years.

Ritch Bonisa · Answer

If you can find a  project management company that already has a group of their own contractors - this can be a good way to go.  Just make sure that they do background checks and credit checks on those contractors and you want them to be insured, etc.

Paulette Midgette · Answer

@Julie Marquez and @Laureen Youngblood, thank your for the lumber/hardware store suggestion.  I will certainly try it.

Paulette Midgette · Answer

Thank you all for your advice!  Just to address a few tips presented.  I belong to several REIs in the Philadelphia area.  This is the source that I am using to find my contractors, not just working around Home Depot or Lowes.  If I can't depend on sources where contractors present themselves as forthright, I am surely not going to Lowes and taking my chances.

I am an investor, so I not only have work leads for myself, I also have work potential work via family and friends.  I can and normally do keep my contractors busy.  I had a contractor, I thought was dependable...worked on my recent multifamily renovation.  However, when I called him for another job he gave me the slip.  Again, I believe this is a system of the Philly onslaught of RE activity.

I fear finding a contractor may be an exercise in frustration.  I think I may be go out and find source where I can learn to do the basics myself.

Thanks again!

Ryan Cameron · Answer

See below (I forgot to "tag" you)

Ryan Cameron · Answer

@Paulette Midgette I have a contractor I've used on projects that is solid. He's also in the Philly area. I feel your pain when it comes to contractors in Philly, so when you finally get a good one, keep them close :-)

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