All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

@Nat C.

No:  to do that is still to be primarily focused on cost and price.  Focus on quality.  The quality of a contractor's work is a reflection of his character.  If he is conscientious enough to care about his work and his clients, he will be a person of integrity.  Ask around...look at their work and how they manage their business.  The good thing is: once you find such a person, it will lead to other such persons (birds, feathers, flocking, etc).

A contractor such as I describe will not necessarily be more expensive but if he is: so be it. It costs what it costs.  You just have to factor that into your equation.  For example: with most of the subs I use (electrician, plumber,etc) I don't even price shop.  I've known them for years and trust them.  I'm sure, in some cases, I could probably get the work done for less but I don't care.  They do what they say they are going to do and the work is done right.  No headaches; no stress.

@Nat C. 

Don is right: you need to find a better grade of contractor. Referral is probably the best method. 

The " secret" to finding them is to make sure your prime focus is on quality and not just cost. That will enable you to identify quality-minded people. People who take pride in their work, are professional in their manner and manage their affairs well.  You have to be willing to pay what quality costs. 

@Harold Groetsema 

Please don't schedule everyone to come at the same time. Personally, I would consider that disrespectful and would not be interested in even looking at your job. 

I think it's the wrong approach to focus on getting the cheapest price. If you plan to do this as a business, I think you are better served by building relationships with contractors and other colleagues.  Take your time to find quality-minded, trustworthy people.  It should not be an adversarial relationship. 

There is no perfect product. There are pluses and minuses to all. I personally dislike composite decking and much prefer wood. I don't like the look of composite: it always looks 'fake'. It's also very expensive and I don't see where it holds up any better than wood. 

@Paul Winka 

I learned a lot by reading.  There are tons of books, magazines and websites. Magazines like Fine Homebuilding are particularly good. That will give you a general understanding of how the systems of a house work and are put together. 

In addition to that, it probably would be helpful to spend some time on an actual job site. Habitat for Humanity is ok but helping an experienced contractor for a day would be even  better. 

@James Hutson 

I'd be interested too. 

@Arnie Guida 

I agree 50% down sounds steep; perhaps that is for materials?!

But the fact that one has a "nice place in a nice part of town" doesn't make one trustworthy. The few times I've had trouble collecting payment from customers, they were all "nice places in nice parts of town"

And the opposite is true too: just because a man only has a truck (though he may have more than you know) doesn't make him untrustworthy. 

@Trevor Fleck 

Welcome to BP!

@Aaron Mazzrillo 

"This isn't about the money. (It never is.)"

So what's it about?  Power?

@Eric Bowman 

Welcome to BP!