Movinig to Lubbock early next year from Dallas (Howe: countertops, house)

[krinklednose]

Hi y'all. We will be moving there early next year. I'm interested in knowing what social media sites I can join in order to find out information about Lubbock. We will need some contractors like flooring, plumbing, etc. Are there other sites like this forum? I tried Nextdoor.com, but it doesn't seem to have anything for our address. TIA.

[rr2005]

Originally Posted by krinklednose

Hi y'all. We will be moving there early next year. I'm interested in knowing what social media sites I can join in order to find out information about Lubbock. We will need some contractors like flooring, plumbing, etc. Are there other sites like this forum? I tried Nextdoor.com, but it doesn't seem to have anything for our address. TIA.

Will Angie's List work?

[High_Plains_Retired]

In the past seven years I have a small amount of experience with private contractors from Lubbock, e.g., sheetrock, painting and barn door repair at an area farm I have been restoring for retirement. I'm sorry to say that my experiences have all been less than good. However, from those experiences, my primary recommendation would be to require anyone you plan to hire to have recent references and for you to review those references very carefully. Secondarily, require a mutually signed pre-work contract as to exactly what is to be completed for the money that is expected to be paid.

I should tell you that none of my experiences were with well established Lubbock businesses with in-store employees. Some of my work, like the repair of Quonset barn doors, required experience and knowledge that could not be found in any of the current established modern door businesses. In this work I had to hire an individual with a private shop who had experience with these old buildings. He did a great job reconstructing and reinstalling the doors but he disappeared as soon as paid him for the complete work he was supposed to do which included repairing the two barn skylights. They were left undone.

Which brings me to my third recommendation; never pay for any labor costs before the work is completed. Any reputable contractor should have the resources to start and finish any job they elect to take on. A pre-work signed contract protects you and the contractor when money is not yet on the table.

And fourthly, beware of unlicensed and non-bonded contractors on Craig's List who say they can do the work but require much more than the cost of "parts and equipment" before they will even start.

Regarding Angie's List, Home Advisors and other such online services, I will also tell you to be wary. Last year, at our central New Mexico home, a contractor recommended to me by Home Advisors estimated a job at my house for over $6,000. I hired a fellow to help me do the heavy lifting and did the work to city code myself for about $1,500. In short, do your own local research and do not depend only on the research of online agencies.

At any rate, welcome to the Lubbock area and best of luck getting the work you need done.

[C24L]

maybe Home Advisors.Do your own due diligence though

[krinklednose]

I really appreciate you taking the time to write me with such sound advice. I have become more trusting with these things lately, but really can't afford that at this time. Living in the Dallas area, we seem to have many more choices for these professions. I will certainly heed your advise. I do have a number of friends and acquaintances in the Lubbock area that have reported similar outcomes. ie. not happy with the quality of the work, etc.
My husband and I can do some of the work, but not all. Just don't have that energy anymore.
Thanks again,
We are still in the process of moving (another daunting task) and look forward to getting out of Dallas before the heat starts up... can't wait to get 3000 ' above sea level to enjoy a cooler summer.

[rr2005]

We moved to Lubbock last summer and had some work done to our home. What I learned from visiting with people in that line of work is that the exploding growth in Lubbock makes it difficult to find good contractors. There is so much new construction-both residential and commercial- that they all have all the work they can handle. Apparently, new construction is easier and pays better. We did find some wonderful people to do our flooring and countertops. I'd be happy to give you their info. If needed, PM me. Good luck and welcome to Lubbock!

[High_Plains_Retired]

Originally Posted by krinklednose

My husband and I can do some of the work, but not all. Just don't have that energy anymore. Thanks again,
We are still in the process of moving (another daunting task) and look forward to getting out of Dallas before the heat starts up... can't wait to get 3000 ' above sea level to enjoy a cooler summer.

At 67 years, and having made several long moves in my life, I definitely understand the loss of energy and reluctance to making any move.

Since you have acquaintances in Lubbock, I would also add that you should try to use them as much as possible for recommendations if they are somewhat reliable acqaintances. I've always said the most expensive part of moving is losing your local contacts who know the ins and outs of the area.

Be safe in your move.

[stanwood]

Try the Lubbock subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Lubbock/

The demographic skews young but it's a good read.

[krinklednose]

Thanks Stanwood... this is exactly what I've been loooking for...

[case44]

Originally Posted by krinklednose

Thanks Stanwood... this is exactly what I've been loooking for...

We're glad. Keep in touch with some updates.