Contractors - Good, bad & Ugly...

[Vijaianand Thirunageswaram]

In Houston, there is no supply shortage for contractors but are they good or bad or really bad?  It all depends on area and how you looking.  I just came across interesting blog post in BP, https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/how-to-find-a-good-contractor

I have to agree to it 100%. It's the investors who really determines whether contractor is good or bad depending on their need and focus. I am more price oriented and forget to look for other things like process, communication and schedule but expect them to deliver in these areas. 

As article says, if you focus on price, you are going to find cheap contractor but they are not going to follow timeline, not going to communicate with you regularly and won't follow certain process.  I know they won't but still try to force them to do it and at end figure out they cannot and stamp them as bad. I realize it's my mistake and going to start evaluating more in different areas and choose according to my focus.

What's your take on it?

[Tony Castronovo]

Predictability, accountability, excellent communication, and a partnership attitude (rather than treating every job like a one-time transaction)....maybe not always the cheapest. That's my contractor. 

But before asking for referrals, it's important to understand that the investor has to "invest" in the relationship too. Don't expect all this if you don't give it in return. And like any relationship, there has to be chemistry. Find someone who works well "with" you...not "for" you.