Indianapolis Contractor/Handyman Questions

[Richard F.]

Hello Indy Investors! As an out of state investor, I seem to have the ongoing challenge when it comes to contractors/handymen:

1. First quote or two is competitively priced, work gets done, have it checked out, happy
2. Next quote seems to high or is higher than I'd like to pay
3. Find new contractor/handyman. Go to step #1

In the past I have hired some "amigos" and this has saved big $ in the past on a rehab. However, its a lot of work: management, phone calls, flying out, and stress. Plus, my Spanish isn't that great :)

Given this is Indy, what would your expectation be for a handyman's hourly rate be? Contractor's hourly rate? I know the other challenge is sometimes even with the material / labor split it is just one "lump sum" / fixed bid so it can be hard to get to the number to validate the quote. Do you ask them also for the hourly rate?

What I'm trying to do is find a happy medium between the two extremes: someone who can provide competitive rates, with quality work, and gets it done by X deadline. I know this guy is out there but until that time its 1, 2, 3.

Thanks for listening, and for any responses in advance!

[Jynell Berkshire]

Richard,

Like Shawn finding good contractors, regardless of the market is a challenge. It has taken me some time but I have a good network of resources. I have definitely weeded through a number of them over the years.

Let me know if I can help you out in any way. I would be happy to pass along some recommended guys that work between $20-$40 an hour, depending upon the scope of work.

I have always found that if you incentive them a little, this keeps them loyal and you usually get a better quality of work.

If you are interested in investing more in the Indianapolis market, feel free to contact me. I am a chair of a nonprofit organization who is always looking for new investors. We currently have two properties that we are looking for partners.

Happy Investing!