Finding the RIGHT Contractor
I have been asked many times if I know some who does plumbing work, electrical work, framing work, drywall work, etc. Take your pick! The question is a valid one. Finding a trusted and reliable contractor at a reasonable price can be quite a chore and feel very much like a shot in the dark.
In my experience, contractors fit into one of two buckets. 1) There is the small crew, low overhead contractor where the business owner usually does a lot of the work themselves or 2) there is the large construction business with multiple crews.
Both types have their pros and cons. The small, owner working contractors have low overhead and usually lower prices but can be too busy to rely on. Plus, warranty items for faulty work can be hard to get fixed. Due to my job as a building inspector, I like the small crew contactor because I can usually fix anything that may break on my own. With smaller contractors, you can also ask if they will do it for cash and save a little more off the top, which I always try to do, too.
Larger, well-known contractors are usually more expensive and can be inconsistent since multiple crews can be out doing the work. However they typically stand by their name, show up on time, have more professional customer service and take care of warranty items in a timely manner.
So when you are out getting pricing from contractors, be aware of the two different types and tailor your expectations accordingly.
Above all though, I tell everyone who asks if I know a contractor to make sure to get at least 3 bids. The process can seem like a lot to shedule contractors to come look at your project and give you a price, but in the end it can save you a ton. Many times, contractors that are really busy will give out an astronomically high bid because they don’t care if they get the work while another guy may really want the work and will price it at a competitive price.
And never, ever pay for work not completed. If a contractor wants a down payment for materials, ask them where the materials are coming from and tell them you can make direct payment to the supplier or pay them when materials arrive onsite. Also, never pay the remainder of the contract until you are satisfied with the work. Progress payments for work completed should be agreed to with final payment being held until the contract agreement is met. If an agreement can’t be made on payment, then don’t use the contractor. It will only create heartache down the road if your expectations are not met!
In closing, my best advise is to always get 3 bids, don’t pay anyone for work not performed, and go with your gut when choosing a contractor.
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