Finding a GREAT contractor / handy man

Published on 5 September 2024 at 07:19

Red Flags on MLS listings

 MLS listings are full of euphemisms and coded language that can hint at issues the seller (or listing agent) might not want to outright say. Here are some hidden red flag keywords in real estate listings to watch for, especially in MLS descriptions & Let your inspector determine how the MLS should read

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Possibly damage at sellers home during the inspection

by Nick Gromicko, CMI® and Kate Tarasenko  Have you ever broken something at a home during an inspection?  We’re not talking about accidentally knocking over a vase or putting a gouge in a doorframe with your toolbox.  We’re talking about snapping the handle off a hose bibb (see image below), turning on a dishwasher that leaks all over the floor, putting your hand through the water-damaged tile wall in a shower, making a big hole in a rotten window sill with your screwdriver, and similar mishaps.  If this has ever happened to you, and your first instinct is to calculate a discount on your service fees while offering profuse apologies, it’s time you reframed the situation. Your client shouldn’t be upset with you; they should be thanking you!  

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You Can't fix stupid

When we post videos of stuff that is wrong it is hilarious regarding the comments/stupid ones from people mostly men who think they actually know what they are talking about. Now some do know there stuff but out of 500 comments it is useally two or three that get it right. The ones that are wrong in their comments are the ones who have always been doing it wrong, which is why home inspections were invented in my eyes

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Why are FLIPPED homes so bad?

Flipped homes are often (99% of the time) poorly done because the primary goal of many flippers is to maximize profit in the shortest amount of time, most do not know anything about construction, homes, doing the right thing, building standards etc.

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 Yes I do hire contractors I'm way too busy with the business to do home improvements on my own home. The Number one thing is their communication do they text do they clearly state a time they're going to be there and show up if they don't, they're fired immediately I also want someone that is clean cut where's a professional uniform or professional clean clothes if not you are FIRED!

 

Finding great contractors can be challenging, but tapping into local resources like your neighbors and local Facebook groups is a smart approach. Here are some of the best ways to find reliable contractors:

### 1. **Ask Your Neighbors**
- **Word of Mouth**: Your neighbors are often the best resource for finding trustworthy contractors. They can share their experiences and recommend contractors they’ve worked with and trust.
- **Neighborhood Networks**: In some areas, neighbors may have informal networks or associations where they share recommendations for various services, including contractors.

### 2. **Join Local Facebook Groups**
- **Community Recommendations**: Local Facebook groups are great for getting contractor recommendations from people in your area. Members often share their experiences and can provide insights into the quality of work, pricing, and reliability.
- **Search Past Posts**: Use the search function within the group to find previous discussions about contractors. This can save time and give you a broad range of opinions.
- **Direct Interaction**: You can directly ask for recommendations and even post details about the specific type of work you need, attracting contractors who are members of the group or who are recommended by others.

### 3. **Check Online Review Sites**
- **Yelp/Google Reviews**: Look for contractors with high ratings and read through customer reviews to gauge their reliability and quality of work.
- **Angi (formerly Angie’s List)**: This site offers detailed reviews and ratings for contractors, often with more in-depth information about their services.

### 4. **Use Contractor Referral Services**
- **HomeAdvisor**: This platform matches you with local contractors based on your specific needs. It also provides reviews and ratings from other homeowners.
- **Thumbtack**: Similar to HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack allows you to find contractors, compare quotes, and read reviews all in one place.

### 5. **Visit Local Hardware Stores**
- **Inquire at Specialty Shops**: Often, local hardware or specialty stores (like those focusing on plumbing or electrical supplies) can recommend contractors. They often know who the reliable contractors are because they interact with them regularly.
- **Community Boards**: Many hardware stores have bulletin boards where local contractors post their business cards or flyers.

### 6. **Check with Professional Associations**
- **National Associations**: Look for contractors who are members of professional organizations like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Membership often requires adherence to certain standards.

### 7. **Get Multiple Quotes**
- **Compare Estimates**: Once you’ve found a few potential contractors, get multiple quotes to compare pricing, timelines, and approaches to your project.
- **Interview Contractors**: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their experience, past projects, and approach to ensure they’re a good fit.

### 8. **Check Licenses and Insurance**
- **Verify Credentials**: Ensure that any contractor you consider is properly licensed and insured. This is crucial for your protection in case of accidents or issues with the work.

By combining these methods, you can increase your chances of finding a great contractor who is reliable, skilled, and a good fit for your project.

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