Service providers.... (Naples: insurance, construction, contractors)

[efb]

So what is the secret to getting reasonable quotes for work to be done from service providers. I am so tired of every tradesperson thinking that, just because we live in Naples, that we have all the money in the world. I am happy to pay reasonable amounts for things like painting, but the rates we have been quoted so far are head and shoulders above what I have paid in any other area of the country.

Any advice? We are year-round residents... I am handy around the house, but the high ceilings are out of my comfort zone!

[markjames68]

Are you in the heart of Naples or are you in Collier County? If the latter, use that as the location when asking for quotes. I always get a rough estimate before anything is started. And yes, I still get the Naples markup (even though I'm not in Naples proper).

The problem is that there is a lot of construction (so short supply of labor), and also seniors to be fleeced who don't know better and also who don't do any of the work themselves.

[Naplesfan]

Part of it is the cost of doing business has risen. From labor to supplies, insurance and everything else, it's hard to pay the hourly expenses. People have to make enough to make a profit. If they're small independent contractors check their work and bite the bullet. If they're fly by nighters, caveat emptor.

Naplesfan

[Richard818]

I've found nextdoor to be a great resource as well as this website.

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by Richard818

I've found nextdoor to be a great resource as well as this website.

Agree, I’ve found a couple of people through NextDoor.

[ron e wheels]

Welcome to Paradise! Yes, I have received outrages quotes like $400 just for the roofer to have coffee with me and discuss a quote. $500 to cut my grass. I do live all year around and I live in the Estates so you do have to shop around period. There is an attitude that were all loaded with cash. My lanai screens needed to be replaced and the quotes were all over the place. The guy who got the job came out of the blue. Very good price but then wanted cash. Sunday afternoon and he wanted $2200 cash.

I have found good workers at a fair price on Craigs List. Maybe I'm lucky, but I have not been burned yet. We now have several guys we go to when we need something and pass their names around. Good Luck.

[efb]

Thanks to all of you! I will check out NextDoor... that is a new one to me....

[Worldkiss]

I have used Craigslist many times. A lot of contractors seem to be transient and despite the way Growth Management extols the virtues of licensing, many are liars, cheats and thieves. Towards that end, I now look at them on several sites, sheriffs Dept and Collier County Court.
I will not hire/employ a worker or company that has "issues". For instance, I used PureAir several years ago but since Michael Crothers (the owner) has his own space on the Sheriifs website
Collier County Arrests I would not use him ever again.
Another item is language, I speak fluent Spanish. However, in the USA, I think everyone should speak English. Because of that, Kelly Roofing is off the list. True, their usual four man crew has one person that can speak English. But if they are legal, they should be doing their best to speak English.
A person doing storm clean up was Cra Cra Tree Expert, owned by Lemuel Burkes and Heather Kassha.
https://www.rapsheets.org/florida/do..._LEMUEL/N26657
https://florida.arrests.org/Arrests/...assha_8704383/
All this reminds me of a story. Last week I was talking to a new transplant here from Denver. He was talking about the price of groceries and produce in Publix and Winn Dixie. I told him I treated those stores as convenience places only. I took him and his wife to Oakes Farms on Davis. They were blown away with the better quality and less expensive prices. Strange thing they both said to me. They both commented that everyone in Oakes Farms seem to enjoy their job and they spoke English.

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by Worldkiss

I have used Craigslist many times. A lot of contractors seem to be transient and despite the way Growth Management extols the virtues of licensing, many are liars, cheats and thieves. Towards that end, I now look at them on several sites, sheriffs Dept and Collier County Court.
I will not hire/employ a worker or company that has "issues". For instance, I used PureAir several years ago but since Michael Crothers (the owner) has his own space on the Sheriifs website
Collier County Arrests I would not use him ever again.
Another item is language, I speak fluent Spanish. However, in the USA, I think everyone should speak English. Because of that, Kelly Roofing is off the list. True, their usual four man crew has one person that can speak English. But if they are legal, they should be doing their best to speak English.
A person doing storm clean up was Cra Cra Tree Expert, owned by Lemuel Burkes and Heather Kassha.
https://www.rapsheets.org/florida/do..._LEMUEL/N26657
https://florida.arrests.org/Arrests/...assha_8704383/
All this reminds me of a story. Last week I was talking to a new transplant here from Denver. He was talking about the price of groceries and produce in Publix and Winn Dixie. I told him I treated those stores as convenience places only. I took him and his wife to Oakes Farms on Davis. They were blown away with the better quality and less expensive prices. Strange thing they both said to me. They both commented that everyone in Oakes Farms seem to enjoy their job and they spoke English.

While I encourage people doing a lot of due diligence on vendors it seems as though you have an axe to grind...

[Worldkiss]

Originally Posted by markjames68

While I encourage people doing a lot of due diligence on vendors it seems as though you have an axe to grind...

Wow, I simply require integrity from people I do business with and that offends you?