how do i find a good local contractor

Where Do Homeowners Find a Good Contractor?

• Personal Referrals From Other Homeowners. ...
• Ask Some Professionals. ...
• Online Neighborhood Groups. ...
• Home Service Directories. ...
• Customer Review Sites. ...
• State Licensing Agencies. ...
• National or Local Trade Associations. ...
• The Better Business Bureau. ...
• Look Out for Red Flags. ...

Full Answer

How to find a good local contractor?

• Quality of craftsmanship?
• Did they stick to the schedule/finish on time?
• Did they stick to the budget?
• How is their customer service? Do they answer their phone and return calls?

How do I find a local contractor?

Find General Contractor near you by using your Better Business Bureau directory. Get BBB ratings and read consumer reviews and complaints by people in your community.

Where to find good contractors in my area?

Select a Contractor

• Check references. Before making your final selection, ask the contractors on your shortlist for references, then check them.
• Be aware of the details. When you’re learning how to find a reliable contractor, every detail matters. ...
• Don’t jump on the lowest bid. ...
• Negotiate payment options. ...
• Write up a detailed contract. ...

Where do you find a good contractor?

The Process of Finding a Contractor

• Define Your Project. Before contacting any contractor, begin by defining the project in precise terms. ...
• Online Contractor Matching Services. Online contractor-matching services can be reliable sources of contractors for homeowners, with algorithms that precisely match contractors with potential projects.
• Recommendations from Neighbors and Friends. ...

How do I choose the right contractor?

How to Choose the Best Contractor for the JobObtain multiple bids. ... Consider the needs of your specific project. ... Take note of their communication style. ... Consider their availability. ... Check to make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. ... Meet their team and subcontractors. ... Check reviews and references.

How do I find a local general contractor?

How to Find and Hire a Good ContractorOn This Page: ... How to Find Local Contractors. ... Check Their Service Area and List. ... Check Contractor Qualifications. ... Interview to Find the Right Contractor. ... Confirm the Service Professional Works for the Company. ... Ask For a Copy of the Company's License. ... Ask For Proof of Insurance.More items...•

What should you not say to a contractor?

Seven Things to Never Say to a ContractorNever Tell a Contractor They are the Only One Bidding on the Job. ... Don't Tell a Contractor Your Budget. ... Never Ask a Contractor for a Discount if You Pay Upfront. ... Don't Tell a Contractor That You Aren't in A Hurry. ... Do Not Let a Contractor Choose the Materials.More items...

How good is Angie's List?

Angie's List gave it an F, while the BBB gave it an A+. Yelp users gave the company an average of 2.5 stars out of 5, while 40% of Consumers' Checkbook subscribers rated the company as “superior.”

Is HomeAdvisor worth using?

HomeAdvisor is effective for contractors who are just starting out and need to establish a loyal client base. It's also a helpful resource for contractors who hit a slow season and need to pick up some additional business. The obvious downside to using HomeAdvisor as a contractor is the high cost tied to leads.

How do you tell if a contractor is ripping you off?

Top 20 Signs You Hired a Bad ContractorThey Don't Have Good Reviews. ... They Overcommit to Work. ... They Lack the Necessary Experience. ... They Start Work, Disappear, Then Start Again. ... Their Rates Are Significantly Lower Than Others. ... They Don't Get the Right Permits. ... They Don't Like Written Agreements.More items...•

How do I protect myself when hiring a contractor?

Protect Yourself When Hiring a ContractorGet Proof of Bonding, Licenses, and Insurance. ... Don't Base Your Decision Solely on Price. ... Ask for References. ... Avoid Paying Too Much Upfront. ... Secure a Written Contract. ... Be Wary of Pressure and Scare Tactics. ... Consider Hiring Specialized Pros for Additional Guidance. ... Go With Your Gut.

How do I know if my contractor's price is too high?

What to Say When Your Customer Says 'Your Price is Too High'“Gosh, I didn't think it cost this much.”“OK, is there any sort of discount if I pay cash?”“Well, guess I'll need to wait till next year.”“I'm still waiting on some other estimates.”“That's quite a bit higher than I thought it would be.”

How deep should a control joint be?

For a 5-in.-thick slab, control joints should be added in a pattern of squares no larger than about 10 ft. The joints should be at least 1-1/4 in. deep to be effective.

What is the best soil for a concrete driveway?

Typically the best base for a concrete driveway is a 4- to 6-in. layer of compacted gravel.

What is the best base for asphalt driveway?

Just as for a concrete driveway, a well-compacted, stable base is essential for a long-lasting asphalt job. Ideally, soil containing organic material would be removed, as well as enough clay or other expansive soil, to allow the installation of a 6- to 8-in. base of compacted gravel.

Can a contractor take your down payment?

Less-reputable contractors may take your down payment, start the job, and then disappear for a few days to start other jobs. Make sure your contractor plans to stay until the job is done. And to ensure timely completion, don’t make the final payment until every detail is complete.

Can you fly by night in the asphalt industry?

Fly-by-night contractors are common in the asphalt industry, but there are ways to avoid them: First, don’t buy from door-knockers—reputable contractors seldom resort to this technique to get jobs. Then ask your contractor the following questions to get a long-lasting driveway and the most bang from your buck.

Why is it important to have more than one contractor on your list?

You’re expecting your contractors to be perfect at everything, to tick every box you’re looking for and that’s just not possible. But that’s also why it’s important to have more than one on your list so that you always have someone for all of your needs.

What license do I need to be an electrician?

If they are an electrician, make sure they have an electrical license. If they are a plumber, make sure they have a plumbing license. If they are a general contractor, make sure they have a general contractor’s license. Next, make sure they do actually have the proper insurance and bond.

Is a contractor a good business owner?

To begin, contractors are not generally not good business owners. Just because someone can bake doesn’t mean they can run a bakery. The same thing can be said about contractors. Just because someone can swing a hammer doesn’t mean they can answer phone calls or show up on time.

5 User review websites where you can find remodeling professionals, design ideas, and price guidance

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More on Home Renovation

Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the June 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

How to tell if a contractor pays on time?

Talk to both clients and subcontractors, who can tell you if the contractor pays them on time. Ask previous clients if the contractor's estimate was close to the final cost, if they got along with the project manager and if it's possible to see closeup photos of any completed work.

How long does it take for a contractor to start work?

A contractor's availability can depend on the time of year and where you live, but the best contractors have consistent work, so expect to wait a few months for your project to start. "Three months is going to give them time to hopefully finish up their current project and get yours on the calendar," DiClerico says.

What happens if a contractor doesn't pay his subcontractors?

If your contractor doesn't pay his subcontractors or suppliers, they can put a mechanic's lien against your house. You want copies of receipts for all the materials, plus lien releases from all the subcontractors and the general contractor before you pay.

What is required for a large renovation?

A large renovation may require the contractor to bring in subcontractors for specialized work such as electrical, plumbing or detailed carpentry. You'll want to know when outside workers will be in the home, and you also want to know that your contractor will manage and supervise their work.

Can a less reputable contractor finish the job?

Less-reputable contractors could finish most of the job and then move on before they get to the final details. Don't make the final payment until you are completely satisfied with the work and have all the lien releases and receipts. Make this clear in your payment schedule.

Do you want a contractor to use your money to finish another job?

You don't want a contractor to use your money to finish someone else's job. The contract should include a payment schedule and what triggers each installment to ensure you're not paying for work on schedule when the contractor is behind the projected timeline.

Do you need a license to be a general contractor?

General contractors and most subcontractors should be licensed, though the procedure varies by state and municipality. Check your state disciplinary boards, Better Business Bureau and local court records for problems. Ask the contractor for a copy of his or her license and copies of the licenses of the subcontractors who will be involved in the project.

What is a general contractor?

In short, a general contractor is a professional who oversees the project. They will gather all the materials and necessary permits, and hire specialized workers to complete the project.

How to avoid cost overruns?

Communication between you and your general contractor is the key to prevent cost overruns, although you should build a “cushion” in your budget for unforeseen circumstances. First, stay realistic when creating your budget. Research the typical cost of labor and materials your project will require.

In This Article

When homeowners decide to move forward with a home improvement project, one of the hardest parts of the process is finding a dependable local contractor to do the work.

Personal Referrals From Other Homeowners

One of the most tried and true methods for finding a contractor is simply asking other homeowners about their personal experiences with the contractor who handled their home improvements. Consider asking friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbors, and other acquaintances if they have had similar work done.

Ask Some Professionals

People who work in real estate, property management, construction, or home insurance can be particularly useful with referrals because they often work with a variety of contractors.

Online Neighborhood Groups

Sometimes, homeowners who don't personally know anyone else who has hired a contractor head to online communities for their local areas and then ask for referrals there. While the most common site used for this purpose is Nextdoor, you can also use Craigslist's community section, Facebook local groups, and Facebook's new neighborhood feature.

Home Service Directories

Home service directories provide reviews, contact information, and more for all types of service contractors. There are quite a few of these sites these days, with some of the best known being Angi (previously known as Angie's List), HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, Porch.com, and Houzz.

Customer Review Sites

While Yelp and the local business profiles on Google Maps may not be focused exclusively on home improvement services, these review sites are some of the most common ways people discover service providers in America.

State Licensing Agencies

If you're less concerned about pictures and reviews than you are about a contractor's qualifications, then you can always start your search with the agencies that provide licenses and certifications.

Queen Anne Painting & Carpentry Inc

Porch does not verify this information. Check with the appropriate licensing authority directly to ensure coverage.

Emerald City Construction

"Hello, We hired Emerald City Construction for a remodel & addition in our Mercer Island,WA residence. Dmitry and Viktor had a exceptional team. They got the project done on schedule and while still maintaining grade A quality. I will definitely use Emerald City Construction in the future."

MGL Home construction service

"Tulga did a great job for us. The estimate was thorough. The work was delivered as promise and on budget as well as on time. This is a rarity in that industry and very surprising with what was a relatively small job. I appreciate his commitment to a job well done and desire to make sure everything ... Read more

Comprehensive Construction Services

Porch does not verify this information. Check with the appropriate licensing authority directly to ensure coverage.

Cutting Edge Construction Today LLC

Porch does not verify this information. Check with the appropriate licensing authority directly to ensure coverage.

Eco-Design&Build

My companies goal, be it a small painting job or a complete home remodel is satisfy the customer.

What to do if an expert doesn't work?

If an expert can do the job well, but doesn’t work in your area, it’s a good idea to move forward with someone else. Conversely, if a pro works in your area, but isn’t qualified to work on your project, it’s important to go with a different contractor. Double-check two things while you look for local pros:

Can you finance a large project?

You can finance large projects. If you choose this option, be certain that your contract states that the contract is void unless and until you’ve gotten financing. Building a Strong Contract. It’s important to clearly lay out the plans for your project, just in case there are any disputes in the future.

Can a contractor request a down payment?

Every contractor is different and will have different expectations for the price of the down payment. Some states have laws limiting the amount of money the contractor can request for down payment, as well as limits for final payment beyond the agreed upon amount.