Where/How to Find Dependable Handymen for Home Redo? (Columbia: for sale, countertops)

[MomziIIa]

I will be coming to Columbia in a few months to help finish fixing up my daughter's townhouse so we can put it on the market to sell it. She was transferred with a better job offer to Charleston shortly after she bought a fixer-up townhouse.

So... she's had minimal time or $$ to fix it up to sell. I let her know that I'd come to Columbia, stay with my son who lives there, and act as the contractor to get some things done.

I need:
Painter
Dry Wall Finisher for some ceiling 'fix' work
New countertops in Kitchen
Perhaps some new flooring put down in a couple of bathrooms
New shower and plumbing fixed for bathroom shower.

Now.. we dont have a lot of money to spend to do this - but we want it to look nice. Kind of like the HGTV shows where you spend a bit of money to fix or stage the homes.

I've never acted as a contractor for multiple projects like this, but I figure 23 years in management and project management will help me get this done.

Here's my question - where in Columbia can I find honest workers who will charge a fair price and do good work?

Any recommendations on where to start to find some reliable handymen?

[Brandon Hoffman]

I normally use Danny Lowery (Home Maintenance Program) and Jay/Melissa Brantley (J & M Remodeling). Check with them and get at least one other quote. Most contractors/handymen give free estimates and both the guys I mentioned are licensed and bonded.
Danny is 803.309.3088
Jay is 803.309.3190

Both are used regularly in my office, both have done excellent work for me in the past, and both are affordable. And of course get a 3rd estimate to make sure.

I'd recommend doing as much as possible in terms of repair as you normally get a 25-35% better return on the investment as opposed to just dropping the price.

[MomziIIa]

Thanks for the info! I greatly appreciate it!

[mof29212]

Originally Posted by MomziIIa

I will be coming to Columbia in a few months to help finish fixing up my daughter's townhouse so we can put it on the market to sell it. She was transferred with a better job offer to Charleston shortly after she bought a fixer-up townhouse.

So... she's had minimal time or $$ to fix it up to sell. I let her know that I'd come to Columbia, stay with my son who lives there, and act as the contractor to get some things done.

I need:
Painter
Dry Wall Finisher for some ceiling 'fix' work
New countertops in Kitchen
Perhaps some new flooring put down in a couple of bathrooms
New shower and plumbing fixed for bathroom shower.

Now.. we dont have a lot of money to spend to do this - but we want it to look nice. Kind of like the HGTV shows where you spend a bit of money to fix or stage the homes.

I've never acted as a contractor for multiple projects like this, but I figure 23 years in management and project management will help me get this done.

Here's my question - where in Columbia can I find honest workers who will charge a fair price and do good work?

Any recommendations on where to start to find some reliable handymen?

Just now seeing your post. Do you have workers yet? email ****gu3@aol.com

[Brandon Hoffman]

My pleasure. One more bit of advice (bearing in mind I don't know where/price range of condo) - don't over improve or you won't have any chance of getting your money back out but you should have it move in ready. I'd also recommend getting 3 pricing guidelines from local Realtors before putting it up for sale. Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

[gio5]

Originally Posted by Brandon Hoffman

My pleasure. One more bit of advice (bearing in mind I don't know where/price range of condo) - don't over improve or you won't have any chance of getting your money back out but you should have it move in ready. I'd also recommend getting 3 pricing guidelines from local Realtors before putting it up for sale. Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

Hi, Mr Hoffman

My family and I just moved to Lexington, and we're in the process of purchasing brand new home from McCar Homes. Even though it's new I still want to have the home inspected. We had a bad experience with an inspector on our last home, mainly because I think he wasn't what people in the business call a deal breaker. My realtor is Bob Capes, Century 21 and I want to find an inspector that doesn't have any affiliation. Do you know of any inspectors that are honost and won't overlook things just to make a buck?

Thanks

[Brandon Hoffman]

All inspectors are independent and shouldn't have any specific affiliation. Ask for your agent to recommend at least 3 inspectors and call them to find out who you feel will be thorough. I believe there are 800 licensed home inspectors now and many are very good. I've seen a few I'd actually go so far as to tell people not to use but most are going to be honest because it's their livelihood and they don't want to get sued or lose a license. But like every other profession some are simply more knowledgeable.

I always tell my clients to talk to at least 3 professionals to make sure they hire a qualified professional. The 3 inspectors I have on my preferred vendor list are:

Dorian Del Priore (parents are builders, really knows new const.)
The Dorian Co.
Mobile: 803-518-1827
Website: thedoriancompany.net

Kip Craig
Preferred Home Insp
Office: 803-407-3233

Website: schomeinspector.com

Tim Dyches

Carolina Inspection ServicesPhone: 803-749-3937

carolinainspectionservices.com

[MomziIIa]

Thanks for all the replies regarding my post about finding reliable handymen to do some work on a townhouse.

The townhouse is located in NE Columbia close to Sparkleberry area. I'll probably be lining up work after the Christmas Holidays.

Again...thanks for all your input and suggestions!

[MomziIIa]

It looks like I'll be heading to Coumbia Mid - end of January to begin work on condo. I'll contact the previous two people listed for an estimate.

bumping this up to see if any one else can make recommendations.

Thanks!

[Brandon Hoffman]

Keep us updated. It's nice to hear how these things turn out.