how do you find a reliable, fair-priced contractor for home repairs and renovations?
Answers:
First i would ask people i knew if they have had any work done and see who they would recommend, then i would also make a list of all the contractors in my area..try looking on the internet, phone book, etc. make a list and compare prices and ask them for references..
Other answers:
The best thing to do is to ask a friend or acquintance who has recently had work done for a referral. In many cities there are also handyman networks and contractor referral services.
Examples:
http://reliableremodeler.com/homeowners/start_request.asp?gclid=CIb4947Q54ICFSwlGgodXSta4w
http://www.servicemagic.com/ext/496206?ef_id=1066:3:40bf85595b399fb86d2539142393e99d:Bb8c1kNIYXsAAE84v-oAAAAO:20060125222344
http://www.reliableremodeler.com/?gclid=CKWn_NnQ54ICFSsEGgodmmmr6A
(These are just examples. I am not endorsing any of them)
Other good places to check would be your local home builders association and chamber of commerce. Most newspapers also have a list of contractors in the service section of the classifieds. You can also post an ad on free online bulletin boards. Ask the friendly folks at the local building supply store. Even if it is a personal referral, be sure to check out their web sites if they have them, get at least 3 references and actually go out and take a look at the contractors work.It's usually a good idea to contact the BBB to see if there are any complaints filed against the contractor. Do not be shy in asking the contractor about their experience, certifications, insurance, licensing, manpower, equipment, etc. You may even go as far as checking to see if they have any judgements filed against them at the county courthouse. This kind of diligence can save you alot of money and tons of frustration. Ask friends and neighbors what they paid to have similar work done.Don't forget to negotiate. No price is set in stone.
Wishing You Much Success
The best thing to do is to ask a friend or acquintance who has recently had work done for a referral. In many cities there are also handyman networks and contractor referral services.
Examples:
http://reliableremodeler.com/homeowners/start_request.asp?gclid=CIb4947Q54ICFSwlGgodXSta4w
http://www.servicemagic.com/ext/496206?ef_id=1066:3:40bf85595b399fb86d2539142393e99d:Bb8c1kNIYXsAAE84v-oAAAAO:20060125222344
http://www.reliableremodeler.com/?gclid=CKWn_NnQ54ICFSsEGgodmmmr6A
(These are just examples. I am not endorsing any of them)
Other good places to check would be your local home builders association and chamber of commerce. Most newspapers also have a list of contractors in the service section of the classifieds. You can also post an ad on free online bulletin boards. Ask the friendly folks at the local building supply store. Even if it is a personal referral, be sure to check out their web sites if they have them, get at least 3 references and actually go out and take a look at the contractors work.It's usually a good idea to contact the BBB to see if there are any complaints filed against the contractor. Do not be shy in asking the contractor about their experience, certifications, insurance, licensing, manpower, equipment, etc. You may even go as far as checking to see if they have any judgements filed against them at the county courthouse. This kind of diligence can save you alot of money and tons of frustration. Ask friends and neighbors what they paid to have similar work done.Don't forget to negotiate. No price is set in stone.
Wishing You Much Success