Best way to find Contractors in this busy market

[Nick Mand]

Hi All,

I am undergoing my first renovation project. Its a small step, but its my basement which will require significant work. I am in a hot area in Boston Ma and also got lucky with home appreciation. Not only that but we can use the space, so I am treating this as my first GC project so I can get the feel for my next step, which would be true flip! Fairly soon we would like to move out and keep this as a second property. 

In either case, it's summer and it's a booming market, so finding reliable help as a new person out on the scene is difficult! Any tips for finding the right contractors? I'd need to someone to knock down existing, a builder, plumber, electrician. I will pull the permits myself. 

Appreciate the help! 

[Christopher B.]

Contact a lot of people now, be ready to wait 2-4 weeks before anyone can start.

If you call 20 people, maybe 10 will answer or call you back. Of those 10, you will eliminate/they'll flake/can't/don't want to do your job- 5 more. You'll schedule 5 to come see the project and 2-3 will show-up. Hopefully 1 of those 2-3 doesn't try to bend you over, is reliable, and does good work.

This is my experience in the 4-5yrs I've been doing this business full-time.