What you should know when hiring a contractor
I will stay anonymous for two reasons: 1) i don’t want to self promote (in fact I won’t mention my business) and 2) other trades people and GC’s won’t like what I am about to say. 1-no matter how desperate you are, don’t hire the first contractor that shows up at your door. 2-ask for…
I will stay anonymous for two reasons: 1) i don’t want to self promote (in fact I won’t mention my business) and 2) other trades people and GC’s won’t like what I am about to say.
1-no matter how desperate you are, don’t hire the first contractor that shows up at your door. 2-ask for his “detailed” quote in writing, anything discussed should be in writing 3-if a contractor gives you a ballpark figure over the phone, RUN AWAY!!!! (anyone I know won’t do it, they want to see whats involved. As good as you may be in explaining it..you wouldn’t be calling them if you could do it yourself). Let them look at it. At that time you can judge if they are a good fit for your needs. No warm Fuzzy feeling when meeting them…say “see ya”. A good contractor will listen, take notes and ask questions.
4-if you give them a deposit upfront…you are a “FOOL”, I will say it again…YOU ARE A FOOL. If a contractor says he needs it for supplies..that tells me two things…he either can’t manage his money/business properly or he thinks your a “FOOL”. He is in business. If he can’t afford your materials, what will he do if his tools break, ask you to pay for it? If the job is that material intense, ask if you can purchase them. You’ll save the mark-up but will have something if he skips out on you.
Why I am writing:
As I have been in the “business” for many years now, I see nice people get screwed often. I guess I am not filthy rich because of a conscience. I will start writing on different topics everyweek to help get through what should be an exciting time (improving your home). Tomorrow I will discuss GC licencing and insurance.
Good Luck…Stay Sharp
To Quest,
In all walks of life there are good and bad. Unfortunately, in the “City of Opportunity…NYC” there are many contractors out there with one goal in mind..make money at any cost to YOU. Take many interveiws with contractors, review there references (read my article on references tomorrow), check there work. On the interview, ask alot of questions, take notes (they can be used on questioning other potentials), listen to the answers…verify a procedure or method the GC wants to use via the web.
And you should get the “Warm Fuzzy Feeling” when you interview the right GC.
Good Luck…Stay Sharp
I must say you’re right, and I am a contractor. I hear stories from my clients all the time about being screwed over. The only control you have is to really do your reasearch! This should be true of anyone you’re considering to hire. Anyone want to talk about car mechanics and lawyers?
thanks. Tnose are the things i follow when looking for a contractor. The difference is i get the materials myself for the same reason, no money upfront, paid when job is done. Gives them incentive to finish the job also.Always get several estimates and ask to see their work .
an arquitect in Brooklyn.
I think you area guy with your feet in the ground.
no job is ever without problems and mistakes.
Thx justiceforall
This is the power of Web 2.0
Good list, justiceforall– looking forward to reading your further thoughts.
And 7:21 — good GCs exist, but they are busy and anyway no job is ever without problems and mistakes.
I hope you are for real.
I desperately need someone to prove to me that contractors are not scum of the earth. Well actually I think brokers are scum of the earth, contractors are more like the slimy walls that the scum slides off. Please prove me wrong.