Fun with Contractors!

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Whether you are going through a company's employees, contractor, or friends and family (some of whom are independent contractors and others who are just talented):

1. COMMUNICATION
2. CONTRACT
3. ACCOUNTABILITY


COVER YOUR ASS (figuratively and literally )!! Put things in contract and make every agreement a written one rather than verbal. If you have a conversation, send a follow-up email to confirm what was discussed and agreed upon. My friends, Sorors, and I do that for nonbusiness transactions so I definitely do that for every business transaction. Sure, some people will find you annoying and ballbusting but it's YOUR ASS that you're covering. Business doesn't need friends. We can be friends or associates after the job is done the way I'm paying for it to be done. And in the timeline I'm paying for it to be done. I learned years ago to not always take people for their word and a friend, family, or polite stranger who is just "trying to help" can completely mess things up. They often don't mean to mess things up but it all falls on YOUR ASS. COVER IT so you can either show them what they promised you they would do or you can show the small claims court what you agreed upon.

Great advice.

I'm dealing with contractors right now for my condo, and so far they are performing above and beyond! My hardwood floors were supposed to go in over 2 and a half days but it only took two days. They look amazing! The contractor was very professional. My realtor recommended him and has used him countless times with no problems. The painters start today and is also recommended by my realtor. I expect perfect results, as well.

[ComradesTrue]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

My realtor recommended him and has used him countless times with no problems. The painters start today and is also recommended by my realtor. I expect perfect results, as well.

Exactly.

Realtors provide contactors with ongoing business. In fact, some contractors that we have used get virtually all of their referrals from realtors. They WANT to keep the realtors happy. A contractor knows if they piss off a homeowner, no big deal. If they piss off a homeowner who got their name from a realtor, the gravy train is ending. Every contractor that I have ever had that came from a realtor reference was prompt, professional, thorough, and had reasonable rates.

In other words, if you want a good contractor, call a well respected realtor.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by Blondie93

Exactly.

Realtors provide contactors with ongoing business. In fact, some contractors that we have used get virtually all of their referrals from realtors. They WANT to keep the realtors happy. A contractor knows if they piss off a homeowner, no big deal. If they piss off a homeowner who got their name from a realtor, the gravy train is ending. Every contractor that I have ever had that came from a realtor reference was prompt, professional, thorough, and had reasonable rates.

In other words, if you want a good contractor, call a well respected realtor.

The other way I've found contractors is through my decorator. Same concept. Excellent service because she provided them a steady stream of business.