How did you find your contractor for home improvements?

For a lot of people I know, having to deal with a home contractor brings much fear and trepidation!  Most contractors are their own worst enemy. The thing many are really bad at is communication.  Continuously keeping the customer informed of progress and when they will return is huge  to keeping a satisfied customer. Perhaps the biggest fear of homeowners is that the contractor will do a bad job or not come back and finish the job. Keeping in touch at all times goes a long way to reduce this fear.  I have so many experiences of times a person doesn’t call back, come back or follow up. And I’m a pretty easy going person. 

The second big problem most contractors have is they are not good at estimating how much time a project will take. Yes, there are lots of unknowns, but more experienced contractors should be able to anticipate most of them. 

I usually ask neighbors for their recommendations, next look at recommendations on nextdoor.com.  After I pick few contractors I read their yelp reviews.

I've owned 6 homes. I used Nextdoor, Angie's list, my neighbors...it's a crapshoot.  But, I've eventually found my favorites and then I tell everyone I know all about them!  The contractors appreciate this and yes, they will always find time for me bc of this!  

My own personal experience with the last contractor I used to do the interior and some exterior work on my home- First off, I look up at least 4 separate business's - Then I do an 'on-line' check of them- BBB, other customers, ect, -Then I get a quote of ALL the work I want done, taking into account the 'little things' one comes up while doing the work. Now, with the quotes, meeting the people, knowing what I can- I usually go with the company that might be middle of the road price wise-or even the 'higher end' quote so long as I like the previous work, and the person who is doing the work. So as I 'Pulled the trigger', on a company who I believed to be honest, they did a poor job, and then disappeared for 3 weeks (to do another job!), and tried to come back after not even taking a call from me for the three weeks they no-showed? In the end, I had a poor job done, lost about $1000.00 , and realized that in Canada, one can look at the Court of Queens Bench, for any outstanding or pending cases against the company or owner/proprieter, and saw that he was being sued by over 5 people?....Live and learn....It's people like that who hurt all you other people in the trade, who do A+ work, but everyone always seems to have that "worry" about most smaller contractors. Make sure you show-case your great work, and 'fix' any problems with customers to the best of your ability - so it doesn't leave any hesitation in a potential customer to call you!!!!

Respectfully

Dave MacDonald

I found a home contractor for home improvements through my BNI (Business Networking International ) Chapter in Tyler.The great thing is you can find a contractor worldwide with BNI .I have been a member almost 10 years and it has helped me grow my business beyond my wildest dreams. If you are not a member I would highly recommend you consider going to a local chapter meeting and checking them out ! 

Google! I first look at reviews of the company and how professional their website is, then I contact them and see what they can do for me. If their website doesn't entice me I will just move onto the next.

I have found our contractors through word of mouth - referrals, I also have found them on Facebook post as well on Swip Swap sites. The contractors I have hired some have shown their licenses and some have not. I do like it and feel it is more on the up and up when they have shown me their licenses. One contractor had a nice notebook with his license, insurance coverage, pictures of work they have done and testimonial letters from other clients.  I thought that was very professional and letting me know they were honest and above board. The work we had was very professional and they worked hard to get the job done in the time stated - even brought in more people when needed. They did not charge me for the use of their equipment.  We had a choice to buy our own material (and they picked it up) they told me what to buy and how much or we could show them what we wanted and they go buy it. Yes everyone we contacted gave us a free estimate we did not go with the cheapest (handyman) or the most expensive we went with a contractor group that was in the middle. I hope this helps you. 

I saw a neighbour using a painting contractor and as he was very satisfied I had him paint my house.  I needed some siding replaced so the painting contractor recommended 2 or 3 guys.  I chose one and he was so good I call him up for any repairs I need.  i.e. word of mouth.  Good work gets more work.

I belong to a networking group. I had a small guttering job that needed doing. I asked a construction guy in the group. It was too small for him, but he referred me to another person who did an excellent job of taking care of the problem. 

Several years ago I had a landscaping problem. I went to a member of my networking group and he did the job. 

I prefer to deal with people I know or know about. I recommend networking groups for possible business. They have been very helpful to me, and I'm in the life insurance business. This year three people bought life insurance from me, and there are atleast five other insurance people in my group. We all benefit. Givers gain.

I myself work with several reno contractors, I find this partnership beneficial for both of us, I am looking for extending the number of home renovation connections