How do you guys manage constactors and construction costs?

[Tim P.]

Every time I hire a contractor I am faced with either A) an absolutely absurd estimate, that I can't even consider paying (e.g. $25k to replace a basic wood deck) or B) sloppy work where I have to babysit or fire the contractor and redo the work myself.  How do you guys manage it?!?

[Alex L.]

Short answer: Trials and tribulations, or taking recommendations from other RE investors. 

Longer, alternative answer: If it's something simple like a basic wood deck, I'd check places like Nextdoor, local FB groups, or Craigslist for budget contractors. I've personally stopped using Craigslist after too many "sub par" contractors, but have found great success in posting the project on Nextdoor, or in a local FB groups. Interested handymen or contractors comment on the post and give me their contact info, and I reach out. This is not a perfect method, but I've found some great contractors via Nextdoor and local FB groups... in fact, I found my "go-to" contractor through the latter after posting a job description with photo. My other "go-to" contractor was found as a recommendation from my budget HVAC guy.