Choosing Contractors
First I want to say TCI is great, I've learnt a lot by just reading the posts here.
I'm in the process of buying a house that needs some repair, nothing major, however I don't know how to choose a contractor. I also afraid of being ripped off.
Should I go for the big boys like home depot or sears? Or find someone really cheap from local newspaper?
Any opinion welcome.
The Big Boys as you put it, do nothing more then advertise for subcontractors, increase their prices over the local average to account for their profit and insurance expenses to cover the many uninsured subs they use. Many of the subs go to such places because they are hoping that the Big Boys can keep them busy.
HD, Lowes, Sears,etc. have very little to do with quality or competitive pricing. I buy my tools from such places, but do not get my lumber or subs from them.
Depending on the size job, you would be better to contract it out yourself.
You can contact your local Builder's / Remodelers Association as well as other resources in getting bids.
A professional company can provide references of their recent clients, provide you Insurance Certificates and License information when they turn in their bids.
By contacting recent clients and looking at their previous work you have a good ideal on what to expect from that contractor.
There are two primary reasons that people get ripped off in the construction industry....
1) They fail to do their research / homework on the person or company they are planning to hire.
2) They are penny wise and pound foolish - they looking at the lowest dollar.
You can also check local court records for any judgements or civil proceedings that a contractor may have been involved...........again do your home work.
NC_Yank
if you sub. go for getting estimates in writing. that way you have a price guide. if the sub. needs to increase the price you have the est. to go by and can see if the increase is illgit.........km
if you don't get it in writing you have left the pricing open and they will take advantage. beware of low pricing. look over the est. closely make sure you understand what you are getting. some sub. will bid low to get the job then put in major increases as they go........km
Unless you're looking for inflated prices and diminshed profit, never use Lowe's, the Depot or Sears for contracting.
Try calling your local lumber yard or hardware store and ask them to recommend a good contractor.
Or, if you're ambitious and want to GC the job, visit the local fire station or police station and ask if anyone there is a carpenter, plasterer, electrician, plumber, etc. 90% of the cops and firemen I know supplement their incomes with a part-time trade.
In fact, on the rehab I'm doing right now, every guy I'm using works for the city's fire department.
The only downside to these guys is they only work their trade part-time, so time and deadlines can be an issue. But the upside is they're far cheaper than the full-timers.
Good luck.
[addsig]
I have asked the guys at home depot and lowe's who they use for roofs or whatever and more so then not without thinking they will give me the name. Then I go direct to them without the markup.
Monk,
Funny you mention fireman and police..........most of the guys I use part time are law enforcement.
As a former officer, it was nothing for me to put in 80 hours a week between the PD and side jobs.
It is true that many officers get paid very little and have to supplement their income in order to meet ends. Many local businesses pay for part time security work however most officers would rather work out side their normal line of work.
I typically will pay these guys cash.........which they appreciate.
NC