how do you find a home contractor?

[buzz2400]

If you needed to hire a contractor to install windows or build a deck, where would you look for one. My semi-retired dad wants to join this "network" where if he gets a lead he has to pay the network money even if he doesn't get the job. He is also considering getting a website. I figured I come here and survey the best people to ask, budget minded people like me. Anyway, do you find one through word of mouth, internet search, ad in the paper, etc.

 

[hinodis]

It sounds like Service Magic. They have been trying to get my business for a year. I own a painting company. My best source for work is my ad in the yellow pages and word of mouth. We are fortunate that we live in a small town and the ad is very reasonable. We also participate in trade fairs and home shows. Tell him to have a sign made to put in the yard of the home he working at.

 

[Sadie22]

We will see contractors' signs up in the yards of people and then check out the company through their web site, Better Business Bureau, Kudzu, etc. If it's a neighbor we'll definitely ask them about the contractor and even if not someone that we know I've sometimes knocked on people's doors and asked about work they're having done and or have had done. We will also check out ads we receive. If we're interested in the type of work we will interview the contractor, read their letter of reference books, look at their photos of their work, and call their references.

We also almost never look at a telephone book anymore. Most searching is online now.

Most people who interview a contractor do not hire them. You always interview at least three, right? Or after discussnig the project they decide it's too expensive for now.

 

[AgentGabs]

I usually ask my home insurance guy for recommendations, haven't gone wrong yet.

 

[hinodis]

We will see contractors' signs up in the yards of people and then check out the company through their web site, Better Business Bureau, Kudzu, etc. If it's a neighbor we'll definitely ask them about the contractor and even if not someone that we know I've sometimes knocked on people's doors and asked about work they're having done and or have had done. We will also check out ads we receive. If we're interested in the type of work we will interview the contractor, read their letter of reference books, look at their photos of their work, and call their references.

We also almost never look at a telephone book anymore. Most searching is online now.

Most people who interview a contractor do not hire them. You always interview at least three, right? Or after discussnig the project they decide it's too expensive for now.

I never call references because the contractor will NEVER give you the name of an unhappy customer. I have a reference sheet for my business and I have had maybe 2 people in 20 years ask for it and actually call on it.

 

[NotUrsula]

We've had good luck starting with Angie's List, and contractors tell me that they do pick up a lot of business prospects there.

 

[unlimiteddisney]

Angies List. My husband checks that when we need somehting done he can't do.

 

[Darcy03231]

Our local free paper has a section for advertising. I usually check there first. I also check with neighbors and friends too. Once I've decided on someone I check them out with the BBB.

 

[TickleMeTink]

When we needed one a few years ago, I asked around for recommendations...and found a really great one. I tend to go by word of mouth.

 

[laurafergie]

My DH is a contractor, specializing in kitchens and baths - but he can get just about anything done. Before his knees gave out, he did ceramic tile and marble.

He has worked in the Hampton Roads area for about 15 years now, and has never advertised. ALL his business is word of mouth. The most he will do is have a sign in the yard of the home he is working in. I do take before and after pictures of different jobs and maintain a book for him to take for new clients to look at. I have been considering a facebook page for him with the photos on that - but have not taken that step as yet.

 

[Sadie22]

I never call references because the contractor will NEVER give you the name of an unhappy customer. I have a reference sheet for my business and I have had maybe 2 people in 20 years ask for it and actually call on it.

You're right, but I've had good luck with asking to see the work for myself as well as asking questions about things especially important to me such as how disruptive were the workers to the household routine, did they clean up, what annoyed you the most about the project, would you want the same people back, and so on. Some contractors would be surprised to find out what customers really think.

 

[Gigi22]

Over the years we have done a lot of renovations to our house. We got burnt by a kitchen contractor early on.
Ever since then, I have used a contractor I was referred by an extremely picky friend who had a lot of renovations done to her house. (Her house was worth a lot more than mine too). If there is something we need that this contractor can't do, we ask him for a referral to someone else--he has never steered us wrong. Never!

 

[buzz2400]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[ORDisneyfans]

We have owned an hvac business for over twenty years! My husband is a big believer in the "women's network". All of our work is from referrals! We have many loyal customers who love to tell others about our service. The economy has been tough on everyone where we live, but our business is still going strong. I would recommend asking at your local home builders association for referrals. Also check your state registration board before hiring any contractor's. Look for claims, name changes etc all red flags for unscrupulous business'. Good luck!

 

[sk!mom]

Word of mouth.

Once friends and colleagues had given us a few names of contractors they had used with good results, we contacted three, got references from them, and then met with two and had them gives us an estimate.

We didn't choose the lowest estimate but rather the contractor that we felt most comfortable with. We were doing an extensive whole house remodel so we needed someone who would do a good job but who also would work well with us.