How does anyone find a good building contractor?

Question

There are so many con artists out there and I have heard so many horror stories. What sites do you suggest to visit?

Answer 1

Go to a local lumber yard, not a Lowes or Home Depot, but a real lumber yard that caters to contractors and ask the owner or manager of the yard. He will know the good ones from the hacks!

Answer 2

Watch for a project going on now, either just starting or finishing up.

Stop sometime after workday or weekend and ask homeowner how things are going with the contractor. Most people will be proud of their project and talk with you. Some won't but most will.

This is the best way to find a good contractor. Lumber yards , home centers tend to suggest a buddy - they might be a good buddy but not a good contractor.

Remember everyone's idea of being a good contractor is not the same.

Look at the workers on a remodeling job, look at the company trucks, you can then ask the local lumber yard if this contractor pays his bills on time? Also ask some subcontractors about this person.

The best way is like I said - ask the homeowner of a recently or nearly

finished job.

Stay away from newspaper ads by contractors, especially in the summer, if a contractor is not busy now - then something is wrong.

Pick 3 contractors and set up a time to talk to each of them. You will get a good feeling during this process. If one shows up driving an escalade, and dressed for a formal dinner - he probably doesn't have much time visiting the jobsite or getting really involved. If one shows up with shorts on and tennis shoes, t-shirt, I would say his/her judgement is in question. Look for someone who fits the contractor type, you want someone who is involved not pretty. If they need to brag about themselves and their titles and awards- move to the next one. If they talk down about every other contractor you mention - move on.

You will have a good idea of who you want after a visit by each of them.

Answer 3

talk to neighbors,friends,relatives for recommendations

Answer 4

Are you really looking for a builder?...Or a remodeling contractor?

Big difference.

Some contractors do both, but usually builders build new homes for individuals (custom) or developers (tract); while remodelers work with people who are actually living in the home while they are working on it.

NARI is a good place to start if you are looking for a professional remodeling contractor. NARI is The National Association of the Remodeling Industry, and most contractors who want to become the best join.

I have an article on my web site that details my recommendations on how to find, interview and select a remodeling contractor. A link to the page is below.

If you are really looking for a builder, then the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) would be a good starting place.

Answer 5

where are you from Our contractors have 20 years+ experience Maybe we can help free estimates