How to find that good Contractor

[Account Closed]

Hi everyone,

Contractors can be a touchy subject, as we all can agree. Too many times we run into contractors screwing people over, making up excuses, general lack of interest in the projects, lying, etc. etc. Too often have we had the bad experiences.

It’s a shame how the industry has fallen. This is why it’s so important to find that trustworthy contractor. But how do you, what do you look for? How do you find the one among many, the ripe apple in the bad bunch, The needle in the haystack?

I’m a contractor that works in South Jersey, central jersey, and the jersey shore and I wanted to start a Discussion on how to find that contractor. Here are some tips that I have:

1. It starts at the first conversation. When you call, email, or talk to the contractor the first time get a feel for them. See if their style of business, ethics, emotion, personality, and manner match what your are looking for. Make sure their someone you can work with. 

2. The next big thing is when you get to the point of them doing an actual bid, make sure they take notes, measurements, ask questions, and are in general paying attention. Make sure they have a vested interest in he job, even if they know they might not get it. Any contractor that’s going to stay around should be willing to bid on anything you have no matter if there is competition. 

3. Next they should definitely get the bid back to you in a timely manner. This ranges from contractor to contractor and job to job, but it should be sometime within a day to a week. Keep following up with them as well till you get it. For example I get mine back next day unless it’s the weekend. Then It’s next business day. Also they shouldn’t be afraid to tell you their numbers and costs. For example again I put mine in a detailed SOW with line items written out cost by cost. Most contractors aren’t that detailed but they still should should know their costs.

4. Also being on time to all meetings, in the contractor world that translates usually to within 10 mins. The more on time the better.

These are the things that have helped me as both an investor and a contractor. How have you gone about this process? Comment below and give your tips.