Small Private Subcontractors

[Robert Gorra]

I'm picturing a small crew of 3-4 guys, good for cosmetic upgrades on single family homes.  We used to call them "Johnny 2-Trucks".  They take pride in their quality work, they're reliable, and reasonably priced.  Young and ambitious, able to grow their business as I grow mine.  

I want to form sort of an alliance with a handful of small crews for the quick cosmetic jobs like refinishing floors, paint, drywall, bathrooms.  

My strategy is to be able to walk a property and conservatively estimate the cost of a renovation without them.  When I do ask them to come and look at a job it's because I've already closed on the property and the work needs to get done.  

I think finding good crews like this takes an old-school approach, recommendations and word of mouth, not "Homeadvisor" or "Angie's List".