Contractors! How do find the right one? (appointed, real estate)

[j.toome]

Hi,

If you live in Southern California, you may want to check out the following web site before you talk to any contractor:

www.sterlingdovefilms.com

This production company is producing a new kind of remodeling show that is being Hosted by Loren Tino Rowyn, who is making it his mission to educated the consumer on how to hire the right contractor at the right price regardless of the size of your remodeling project.

If you have a remodeling project, and you want to be on TV and save a minimum of 25% on any remodel, you should check out this web site:

www.sterlingdovefilms.com

[ramcharger]

There are several places to start looking - check with local supply house or lumber yards, better business bureau, signs in neighborhood of ongoing work are a few.

The you need to talk to the contractors. See if they will give you work references. Make sure they are licensed and bonded. Ask them to get all required permits.

When you elect a contractor, make sure the contract is in writing and not verbal.

Note: NEVER hire a contractor who wants all the money "upfront"!

You can find out more at http://www.finda goodcontractor.net

[MamasGirl143]

Check your local newspaper, yellow pages and ask friends / co workers for recommendations. Once you have found a contractor that you are comfortable with....check him/her out with the contractors state license board Contractors State License Board - you can check the status of the license as well as bonding and workers comp info. And remember, all work to be performed needs to be in writing, with the repayment schedule clearly stated. A contractor can only ask for 10% OR $1000.00 WHICHEVER IS LESS up front. Any changes made to the original scope of work must be in writing. Do your homework and you should be fine! Good luck to you.

[drshang]

Go to a Real Estate Investors club or find some real estate investors in your area and ask who they use. I guarantee investors are getting the best prices and are largely working with the same few or group of contractors.

[mdvaden]

I tend to follow this subject, because I was appointed to Oregon's landscape contractor board for two terms - 6 years.

One simple aspect is a license check.

Personally, I like experience.

One thing I do now and then to find a contractor, is to call another contractor who I know of with a good reputation, or an established supply business, and ask them who they would want to have doing their own window installation, or kitchen remodel.

TV shows are still a very narrow look at what it takes.

Never hurts though. Still going to give some good ideas.

Because I'll add this ...

In my own trade, I've been called in to do, say drainage repair for example, that was installed by an award winning landscape company, years in businesss, with a license bond and insurance, and a member of the landscape contractors "association".

And the perforated drain line was still installed 2 feet from the rootball of a newly planted birch tree.

uh ... uh ... no way ... nada - that's a no - no.

Go past trees with solid. Not perf pipe.

Anyhow, the point in that example is this ...

How many years will the workers have? Or the supervisor?

The weak point in the system if often who will be on the job site or inspecting. Really, it does not even matter if a worker with 1 month experience is cutting the floor joists or digging a trench, as long as someone compentent with experience is inspecting every component before it gets covered over.

When you want work done, get the contractor to put in writing the minimum level of experience of the workers doing the work, or that it will be inspected.

[Robb the Builder]

I like this topic its right up my alley. In my opinion you should ask friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had work done recently, what their experience was with their contractor. Take a look at his work. A refferd contractor is probably going to be a better choice then going to the yellow pages. Its very important that whoever you have bid your project, gives you a detailed quote stating what he is going to do and what he is not. Also have him give you a written payment schedule. CSLB law states that a contractor may ask for a down payment of 10% of the contract price or $1000. which ever is the least amount. Depending on how large or small your project is, you will have a relationship with your contractor that will last for a short or long period of time. It is very important that your contractor knows that he is doing the project for you . Your opinion is important. Don't let your contractor take that away. Your contractor should be a team player that is working with you and not against you. Watch out for a contractor who suggest that you dont get a building permit.
Understand what your expectations are, and what is important to you before you interview your contractors. Is it cost? Do you want top quality? Do you want someone who will get the job done fast? Make sure that you give each contractor the same information when asking for bids. this way all contractors are bidding the same scope of work. Keep in mind that these contractors want your work. Some projects take several hours to bid and in most cases at no cost to you. I would be polite to give all bidding partys a call to let them know if they won the bid or not. If you have any questions about home improvments or selecting a contractor give me a call at 951-506-0319

[Robb the Builder]

Originally Posted by drshang

Go to a Real Estate Investors club or find some real estate investors in your area and ask who they use. I guarantee investors are getting the best prices and are largely working with the same few or group of contractors.

Realtors usally look for the cheapest contractor possible so they can protect their bottom line.
"The sweetness of a low price is soon forgotten after the bitterness of poor quality"