How do I find a good contractor in this market? (Snohomish: how much, new home)

[pagetrip29]

Hello.

We finally bought a home after 1.5+ years of constant searching. We had to buy a 1960's home which is move-in ready except for a few things that needs to be repaired/replaced. We spoke to our realtor as to how much those things would cost and based on that we put an offer price.

We found a few decently review folks on Yelp and Thumbtack who came to see the home and provided quotes. The issue is that, when I search online, I can only find people who do specialize in one aspect. For example, I want to remove popcorn ceiling, install recessed lights, fix couple of plumbing leaks, and install some duct work. None of the experts on yelp do all of these things. So I will have to hire 4 different people to do each of the items. The quotes we got were 3 to 4 times that our realtor told us it would cost. I think this is partially due to us having to hire 4 different companies.

I am unable to find a contractor who has employees to do it all inhouse (when I search on websites like Thumbtack, Yelp or Home Advisor). We contacted some remodeling companies but most of them don't want our work as it is not a "remodel" and they probably won't make much money out it.

Any advice on how to find a good contractor who can do it all or has employees who can do it all?

Thanks.

[tommy64]

You should be able to find a good general contractor. You may need to look in outside your immediate area and check the outskirts for home remodel. Maybe what you're really looking for is a "handyman". This is a longshot, but go to a busy Homedepot and jot down some numbers on some contractor's trucks who're buying materials.

I gotta tell ya, right now it's gonna cost an arm and a leg because lumber/materials has gone sky since the summer. Last july an 8' 2 x 4 was $2.35. Now it's a little over $6. A 4 x 8 sheet of OSB roof sheathing was $13, now it's $26.

It might be worth waiting until covid gets under control and materials drop. There might be a shortage of labor causing problems now as well.

Good Luck.

[flyingsaucermom]

As your local neighborhood community groups.

[Kayela]

We have found some very capable handyman companies that can do a surprising range of work, and generally charge quite reasonably.

[usernametaken]

One of my friends uses the services of people he finds lingering outside Home Depot. He praises a couple of them as being the best he has ever found.

Not recommended if you are not a risk taker.

[pagetrip29]

Originally Posted by Kayela

We have found some very capable handyman companies that can do a surprising range of work, and generally charge quite reasonably.

Do you mind DMing me their contact details? Thank you.

[dg628]

Well what you outlined is three different trades

Electrical

Plumbing

Hvac

Talk to the Realtor about a residential subcontractor

They get paid to contract all the different aspects of the job out

[Hemlock140]

Not only are material costs up, but with so many people working from home and saving the cost of commutes and entertainment, the contractors are swamped. Our next door neighbor is getting a new driveway, across the street a new kitchen, two doors down a new roof. There are also several developments of new homes going up. Yours would be considered a very small job involving multiple trades, not much in it for any one contractor, so it may take time to find someone who is available and willing.


If anyone in your neighborhood has work being done, stop by (masked) and ask for the contractor information.

[homesinseattle]

Assuming you live in King County, try reaching north to Snohomish County to find a contractor. They are sometimes a bit more available, a bit more affordable and willing to travel for the right project, especially if you can be flexible about working hours.

[dg628]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Assuming you live in King County, try reaching north to Snohomish County to find a contractor. They are sometimes a bit more available, a bit more affordable and willing to travel for the right project, especially if you can be flexible about working hours.

If what opie needs is light troubleshooting and repair then cheaping out a little is fine but if his house is wired like a F****** Christmas tree ready to catch on fire than I’d suggest not cheaping out

Sounds like just trim work , a handyman can do electrical trim work

Or just walk up to a big construction site

Find a guy with a ibew sticker on his hard hat on lunch break

Ask how much for said amount of fixtures and he’ll give you a good price

A lot of the guys I work with do side hustles

Cash only though , no Uncle Sam involved

You’re getting quality trained labor for half the price because you’re not paying the business owner , you’re paying the actual worker directly

If I was in the area already I’d try to hook you up with someone for the electrical part op