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A Guide to Hiring the BEST Contractor | What to Know
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- čas přidán 14. 08. 2024
- Are you looking to hire a contractor? Want to make sure you hire an experienced person, who will get the job done right? As a general contractor for 30 years, I'm going to share with you all of my tips and tricks to help you navigate the marketplace, find a good contractor, and be comfortable signing that contract. Let's go!
Got a comment or question? Leave it below and I'll get back to you!
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Going through my Reno now. It’s huge, and doing 80% DIY. It the last 20% using contractors for things that are too specialized or complicated for me. It’s been very stressful trying to get quotes, or figure out which companies are reputable. Really am starting to learn that the companies with flashy brochures are usually either too specialized or about to scam you. Best thing I ever did, and got from this channel, was hire an engineering firm. It costs a lot, but has already saved me $30k. I had three foundation companies convince me I needed all sorts of foundation work and underpinning. My engineer came out did some soil checks and was like absolutely not. Thankfully I found a pretty good company that the owner was very upfront, and worked with the engineer to figure what needed to be done, and even made recommendations to save me money on things in his experience were not needed that the other companies were trying to get me to do.
I think hiring an advisor while it’s an extra cost, if you are doing a major major Reno (like full gut job level) then it is money in the bank!
I wish there was more help on building permits though. I desperately want to do this all above board, to code, and follow the rules but the city seems to make everything so complicated and they are so so so slow.
@@LostCannuckSailor Move to Vermont where we don't need no code. :p (This is absolutely a double edged sword.)
@@LostCannuckSailor The problem with permits is that, at least in the U.S., every locality can have very different procedures and requirements. My locality (in Virginia) requires you tell them the permit numbers for every sub-permit (plumbing, Elec. etc.) before they will schedule a final inspection eventhough have already have all of that information on their computer right in front of them--CRAZY!
I have the best luck hiring people off craigslist etc for odd jobs. Pick the one who has been running an ad for awhile and shows commitment.
Like pops told me. Tech companies hire people with literary or history degrees as it not about the degree is about showing you can commit for 4 years+.
I'm in the same position. I just don't have the trust anymore. I always find issues with the work, so I'd rather do it myself, albeit a lot slower
I would gladly hire a contractor recommended by you.
Same. Finding a good contractor in Atlanta in the next year is almost impossible!
@@awildelife are you looking for home renovation services????
@@awildelife omg, same here! I’m in atlanta looking for a good contractor. Any luck?
Hey Jeff, one of a million, you betcha. As a now-retired contractor, I find that you, the Essential Craftsman, Roofing Insights, and of course The Handyman-bus are well oriented to the details and making an effort to understand. It's like going to a University on a free ride. Great job.....
Yes, Jeff there's a need for a guide to get help with anything you know about home improvement. I have watched you for several years and love all your videos. They have educated me. Need more guys like you.
Finding a contractor is 90% why I've been delaying my home projects ☹
Long Island, NY - have had a few projects done on my house. I feel like I have to quickly become an expert on the project to be able to catch all the mistakes while work is being done.
Any places you can recommend I’m looking to buy a home that need a complete Reno but kind of second guessing because I don’t know who I can trust to do it I’m from ny
I would think the main gap that needs bridging is a payment escrow - when the work passes inspection, the contractor is sure he'll get paid.
As a former contractor, this is the most concise and valuable contracting advice I've ever seen--especially "check their current job progress."
As a contractor myself I’m tempted to send this video to potential customers. This speaks true for foundation of a working relationship. I always do my best to make sure my client has an idea of what the process will be like and what to expect and this could help shed some light into it for them. Thanks Jeff!
There are many ridiculous ppl out there, who wants best price best time window and best quality. And what's worse: they just can't do it themselves, and, even hiring a contractor, they're not gonna walk through and discuss during the work. Then once they get the final result, they either persuade themselves to settle for it, or blame the contractor. Absolutely dysfunctional, irresponsive and delusional.
Jeff, I think you have a good idea with the referral service but at the same time I think you could really end up stepping in a big pile of it. You even said it yourself a person you refer for one job could mess up the next one and your reputation pays the price for it.
So basically a dating app for homeowners and contractors!
Seems like you can't always trust reviews on Yelp or Angie's list. How can you eliminate fraud and corruption from the process?
@@gigz54 +1 to that question. I think this video and the other discussions that happen on this channel are the right level of contribution from Jeff's team in this space, possibly supplemented by a few check lists of do's / don't's or other very basic resources. This isn't a dig at their skills -- this is rather a testament to the utility of the clarity of the information they're providing. Building an intermediary platform is also really complex and often is an all-consuming effort.
I know this is an older video, but I just saw it for the first time. There is definitely a need out there for an intervention rep, or a go between. It is a great idea to keep potentially bad situations from escalating, and a way to keep things from possibly becoming litigious. Your videos are always helpful - thank you!
Hi Jeff. Great video. Wish I had taken the time to watch some of your videos so that I could learn how to manage my expectations.
My reno is almost done. Maybe 2 more weeks left.
Had the complete main floor done.
Kitchen, family room, living and dinning rooms, powder room.
Tiles from hallway to kitchen.
Wood floors in family and living room.
Stairs re-finished to match the floors.
Paint, trimmings, baseboard
Replace gas fireplace with electric.
We did our research and picked I think a good contractor.
All was good, until he signed 2 more contracts after mine.
Then things started to go wrong.
Disaster #1:
The kitchen design experience was very poor. He used a kitchen company.
They hurried us and we never got to see a proper design of the kitchen. They did not even want to give me a copy of the design. I had to take a photo of the printout in their office.
Two critical things we should have been advised for the kitchen -
Pick your appliances
Pick your FAN
Pick your Kitchen Sink
Of course we all know about picking appliances. That we did.
But a good contractor should be there to ADVISE you of these things before
he goes and signs off on the kitchen.
Disaster #2:
We wanted to support local Canadian companies, so we decided to purchase
wood floor from a Canadian company. It was expensive, but this is going to be our forever home, so we want to have a good floor.
The contractor uses another company to install the floor.
He promised these guys were the best and he had used them for 12 years.
after installation, we inspected the floor. It was not perfect, but they used wood filler in some joins and some joins were not level. Had a dip. Some joins were not parallel.
The same team refinished the stairs. The color match was good, however the finish was very rough.
We pointed this out to my contractor and he asked me to come to house and point that out to installer company - which I did. They didn't like and they took the stair iron spindles and posts, and just LEFT because they go upset with me for asking them to fix what we saw.
I think my contractor should never had me talk to the installers. He should have handled the situation.
Disaster #3:
I think this is probably the worst incident in the whole experience.
Just last week, we decided to pop into our house to pickup some stuff.
It was 9:15PM.
We arrived at the house to find the Garage door fully open with all equipment and products (Toilet, sink etc), so we thought someone must be still working inside the house. So we went to front door. It was FULLY opened. All the lights were off and NOBODY WAS THERE.
I texted my contractor and he gave me so much abuse it was emotionally upsetting.
He had let his workers into the house. Then he went to St. Catharine's for another job
and TOTALLY forgot bout my house.
Then he had the audacity to say, stop complaining you are insured for $5M, so even if you got burgled, it's no big deal. I live in a 1800 sq. ft. home. And my house insurance policy is your average house ins. policy.
There are many other things like, breaking my bug screens, leaving all the windows and lights on.
Even leaving my back door open. And now my step ladder has gone from the garage.
Let's put it this way, it started off very well, but now it's a nightmare we just want to be over.
Summary...
We were lucky, we moved into my wife's parents house, so that the reno could be done quicker.
We were promised 5 weeks - major reno done. Then we could move back.
Plus 3 weeks to finish off.
It's been over 2 months already and we are still at the inlaws.
Hope this helps your subscribers.
Yes, it would be great to have an intervention...
Love the honest straight forward attitude Jeff. Every home owner and DIYer needs to watch your vids
How about a video on how not to be a bad homeowner, do's and don'ts? thanks love the videos
Jeff, I've lived at the same residence for over thirty years and have contracted for four renovations/additions on my property. This is one of the most valuable 11-minutes a consumer can watch; sure wish you had this channel during my first three renovations! Thank you for sharing your professional insight. I especially liked the _"manage your expectations", "referrals (are) a waste of time"_ and your discussion on the cost-benefit ratio of negotiating the price (so very true!). And YES, Jeff, if you had the time and resource to manage a liaison/referral service between consumers and contractors, I'd throw money at it - the value alone of finding an agreeable foundation for reasonable expectations between the two parties would be... well, invaluable.
As a homeowner, it would be great to have 3 recommendations that came from you. I agree 100% with all of your tips. Recently I discovered wood rot on a large bow window...stucco home. It is getting close to winter. I guess that is better than being in the dead of winter.
I have a suggestion. Copy the German apprentice model where you can’t open your own business unless you worked with a master of trade for 10 years. That way you eliminate shitty contractors which deliver poor quality and undercut the good ones to even win the job.
Plenty of shitty contractors here in Germany.
@@niamhhoran yes because we had to lower our standards to create jobs for immigrants. Not racist - no feelings - facts.
Terrible idea
Other issues, if the contractor gives you a price then when you say no drops it in half bail on that deal. If the sales process is high pressure decline that companies services. So many bad companies out there.
It's near impossible where I live(Pittsburgh, PA), every person I've ever talked to had horror stories. Anytime I ever tried to find a contractor, you try to throw your money at them and they don't even get back to you to quote, let alone come to the job. Why doesn't anyone want the work? I've found and been told, most contractors don't want to do the "small" jobs anymore, and only go after huge $ jobs. It's a shame
I work as the maintenance guy for a shopping mall and my issue is the opposite. policy is gotta get three quotes and being a business its obviously go for cheapest. except I get 3 sometimes more and corporate will still be like $5,000? that seems high so keep looking around. All while I'm holding the other quotes that are both in the $13,000 range haha.
Also car mechanics as well !!
I have experienced this. That’s frustrating no one want small jobs.
I love this guy! He tells it like it is, straight forward. Very helpful. I would love a service to help set me up with people who can help me. I think there is a huge need. The construction business in my area is going crazy, non-stop building. We have no idea where to start! Wish he would come to my house and walk through my basement and give tips...maybe even a virtual visit!!! Thanks for your cool videos. Can't wait to see the rest of them.
I’m really glad you posted this video.
Especially during these times when people are getting heavy into diy projects. Sometimes you need to hire a contractor.
I’m only a handful of years into my contracting career and I do my best to do honest, fair and quality work, but sometimes home owners are unreasonable.
I understand it goes both ways, some contractors are also unreasonable.
I am super glad to see you have made it a point in this episode that it is important that both parties involved should be managing expectations, it isn’t a one way street.
To answer the question at the end of the video, I think there should definitely be some sort of platform that bridges and manages expectations on both sides, I think that will help good honest business people connect with reasonable honest clients. There might be an opening in the market there, rather than, as you said, paid referrals or contractor rating sites, or the cookie cutter google reviews that are presently available.
I would like to point out one more thing. sometimes contractors may be excellent at their given trade or craft, but they may not have the skills in handling negotiation or customer service. So perhaps a tool like the one you’re talking about could help them develop those skills and give them more tools to be able to sell their business.
You can’t please everyone all the time, but maybe a new look into how we sign contracts can help please a lot more people more of the time.
That reply went long... good video, I enjoyed it.
I am agreed, I think there should be a easier way to negotiate the specifics. And like a course would help with the basics. I like your comment @nater.
Mary Beth Mabe
I’m not sure easing negotiations is the way I would put it, unless those were the words I used in my original post. In which case I would like to amend them here...
What I took away of importance was managing expectations. So as to say, if a client has done the research and has rudimentary understating of process and materials and the contractor has put this into the contract, the client has ground to expect those expectations are met.
There should absolutely be a course to educate home owners. In fact they do exist in one form or another. Hours upon hours of them are available right here on this channel.
Knowledge is power, but a professional is not going to like being told how to do their job anymore than a home owner is going to like being ripped off...
I think it’s going to be tight line to walk, but if they can minimize the knowledge gap, you will see better more knowledgeable contractors rise to the top.
@nater, please tell me you’re located in NJ?
@@paulgigante6749 Haha I was hoping he was out here on the West Coast!
@Paul Gigante
Sorry bud, I’m based out of southern Ontario.
I got scammed by a GC last year. Some of what you said made sense, but others were off the mark. I was grateful to have 2 subcontractors of my own on the job, as my advocates. As a female, I was constantly told throughout the project that I did not know what I was talking about when asking questions. One of my subs would ask the EXACT SAME QUESTION and were listened to and validated, as well as justified in making changes. It was a nightmare. I'm in Northern California.
Good points you brought up in this video. I prefer the client coming to the job as much as possible so that issues and concerns can be addressed ASAP rather than a week or two later. Also, clients should put up their dogs or cats when people are working at their home. You would be surprised how quickly an animal may change and cause concern after the homeowner leaves. Finally, discuss changes the homeowner may make and include that in the contract PRIOR to the work being done.
Yes Jeff, A middleman would be a worth while investment. Not only to make sure the contract is fair and balanced but to also look in on the work in progress and point out to the contractor where the work performed is substandard. Complaints on both sides should be mediated by the middleman.
Contractors rely on the homeowner to be the quality control inspector and that shouldn't be. If a contractor messes something up and "I" can see it, he sure as hell ought to be able to see it as well, and correct his mistake before anyone sees it. But I understand their thinking....if something comes out wrong, they let it go and see if the homeowner complains. If they complain, he'll fix it, if not it stays the way it is. My thinking is that every dollar that I give a contractor is perfect in every way. If I agree to his price, then I want the work perfect in every way. There's no language in a contract that allows for lousy work. Rich
I'm 100% on-board with the idea of a service which could act as a middleman for both homeowners and contractors.
Yes! Yes! Yes! I would LOVE to have someone I trust to help connect me with reliable contractors. Thanks for asking!
I think the saying goes "fast, cheap, good; pick 2"
Yes, it's called the quality or scope triangle. It's in effect for all manufacturing. We talk about it a lot in spaceflight work because nothing can break so you basically only have cost and schedule to adjust
Unless you are SpaceX who now builds fast till it breaks. Tries again and again. Then when they get it right replicate.
I admit that when it comes to consumer products, I'm a review fanatic. I like doing my research and finding the best products. To be honest, one reason why I've been doing a lot of DYI is just to avoid the whole finding-a-contractor process. I still feel guilty about getting a general contractor out and not going with him because it was too much $. Reviews online can be tricky and you have to be careful of the whole Angie's List thing. Maybe, at one point, it was a trustworthy concept but now it's akin to car sales. You pay $ for the site, but then contractors have to PAY to get on there, get their businesses promoted, etc.
I think you have to be tough, but fair. Lots of contractors are "worth their weight in gold" while at the same time, some of the more expensive ones will screw you over. Sometimes the "guy in a van who needs to borrow wood to keep his car from rolling backwards in the driveway because his rear brakes are shot" (yeah, I'm not creative enough to come up with that on my own) does an absolutely fantastic job at a fantastic price. Sometimes, though, they'll take your deposit and you'll never see them again.
To complicate matters, it's going to vary across states, countries and even cities. In some places, there are lots of honest guys just trying to make a living doing quality work while others have nothing but scammers.
The only approach that seems promising is to join a local Neighborhood/area group (like a FB group or NextDoor) and ask for suggestions. People LOVE giving suggestions and promoting their "guy" and when you hear the love for the same company and that company gets likes from others and such, you know you'll be on the right path.
Good luck and be careful!
YES! I'd love to get the intervention as you called it to connect us with local contractors.
This should be a credit in high school, mandatory
An intervention service would be awesome for both a contractor and home owner. This would allow better understanding of both parties without 2nd guesses of taking on a job or hiring the contractor.
Yup the referral idea between a contractor and client is a good one.
I'm thinking about moving to Ottawa. The Canadians I know are really nice people. I personally know a contractor I can trust and I don't have to worry about him showing up on the job site on a bender!!!! Problem solved!!! I think you probably know these people, Jeff!! LOL!! And thanks for the tips!!
I think a referral service would be fantastic Jeff. Perhaps an online training course to get certified. You could even stop in on job sites of referral customers of the channel to deal with new challenging issues and how to overcome them as usual.
the answer to the question at the end is yes
I think that having an intermediary is a great idea. There are many options on how deeply involved you could get in the relationship. Right from the customer pays you and you pay the contractor to just providing the introductions like Homestars. Something in the middle is likely the best idea, but exactly where in the middle is the trick. Great video by the way!
Good, fast, cheap: you only get two! Jeff, I for one would be interested in the "intervention" service you asked avbout. Not sure how you would pull it off, especially with different legal systems in the US and Canada. But you're a smart guy so would love to see what you come up with.
To your request:
A long time carpenter and contractor of smaller projects, I have begun moving towards a Real Estate holding and leasing business. I finally realized that just because I CAN do it all, I am not as young as I used to be, and I am better off to hire the larges parts of my remodels.
Finding a general contractor or a few subs that don't need to be babysat so much is my mission. So, I can use a place local to me and in other areas that might lead me to suitable contractors for my projects. Not JUST looking for local help, as I am looking to buy properties and renovate them in different states.
I hope this helps you in your query.
I saw you on a Bigger Pockets interview not too long ago. Good job there too! A person can learn something from you if they are not careful! ( Humor). Keep it up!
Absolutely!!! A referral service would be so helpful right now. We’re in Jacksonville FL, we moved here 6 mos ago from Washington State (I’m a disabled vet and need warm weather) and we need to remodel our bathroom to make a roll-in shower. The house is built on a slab. Each company we’ve had come estimate all have different ideas on how to slope the floor to the drain. One even said there must be a 4” curb, but wasn’t able to explain how my wheelchair would be able to go over it.
Jeff, please help!!!
Im not in Florida but im also a vet and thought maybe i could help you out. First, this you tuber is in Canada so some of what he talks about doesnt apply to us laws. Second a good way to find good veteran friendly contractors is to go on va.gov and do a builder search on the bottom of the page. Fha also has this option and is basically interchangeable with va standards. Third they are also great ways to finance or even get grants to help with your disability improvements to your property's. Hope this helps and if you have any questions feel free to reply to this comment.
You know, you really grow on the better side of me! That's a good thing! I have watched you for a few years now. You are entertaining and have some good insight! Thanks!
That is a great idea especially for single women Homeowners.. Having issues with trying for detail contract s. Hopefully you can reference Miami, Florida. Look your videos.. great job.
Something that you could offer is a checklist of necessary information that the consumer should be aware of and things that they should do: Ask contractor for license, need estimate by a certain date, do a background check, spell out payment arrangements, pay the subcontractors directly, ask for proof of insurance for contractor and subcontractors, and make copies, check with BBB, agree in deadlines, require receipts for all purchases, or buy all materials yourself, check progress everyday, inquire about city regulations, permits, licenses, etc.
Can you go more into depth when vetting a contractor? Like what are red flags
to look for? It seems everyone out there is trying to massively finesse me
Red flag Number one, is walk away from anyone trying to finesse you. Good contractors rely on word of mouth, bad ones rely on sales tactics. That's a really bad sign.
@@DaruDhillon let's not forget about the new guys trying to get a start.
Ask for license and proof of insurance. You can even check the better buisness borough.
Know what they are going to do but do not stop there: ask them why
I think it's a great idea to connect contractors with people who desire renovations and remodeling. Tons of people where I live sell door to door siding, windows etc. or advertise that they are the best with doors, windows and siding. I need a contractor who knows how to measure, design, knows a bit about structural engineering, foundations, avoidance of mold problems etc. We have mold contractors but they come out to spray only. I think the design of a home must come together with prevention of problems and if remodeling only without going down to bare ground or near bare ground, how best to upgrade without merely covering up problems and creating problems for the next home owner. Generally I terminate all similar requests on the internet for information about contractors when the site wants to know my name, address, phone number, time line and more invasive issues prior to even talking with me. I hired a architect several years back and all he could talk with me was how he wanted to build passive houses with a rock passive heating system under the house with only 2 bedrooms using foam sandwiched between plywood as a building material. I personally could care less about materials unless my vision about what I want the thing to look like is first discussed, clarified, and realistically (financially and structurally) organized on a drawing. He couldn't address potential mold issues where I live where probably 10 houses nearby me all have "black" mold issues some more severe than others.
Yes. Your prevention of problems service would save a lot of time and money for both contractors and potential clients. You have the ability to communicate well with each party.
Intervention? YES!!!! I've had decent interaction in the past with Contractors, but this is a new world - so challenging finding a contractor 3/3/2022
I've had so many issues with contractors that I end up re-doing things after the fact. My current Living Room renovation is primarily being undertaken by me (minus the plastering and the main electrics). I'm comfortable replacing lights, switches and sockets so that part is covered. I was going to hire someone to sort the flooring out, but I'm gonna attempt to do it myself. I've done a little bit of flooring work in the past, so it shouldn't be too difficult. I've watched your flooring videos a couple of time already and will be watching them again before I do the deed.
I would hire you in a heartbeat, but alas we're continents apart.
Absolutely love the intervention idea. There's huge potential with that idea Jeff, seriously!
In my world - the contractor makes the world go around. Without my contractor I could not create the passive income I've built my business around. Great video!
I'm absolutely interested in a service where I can find a contractor, but like always there has to be a mediator of some sort of 3rd party if you will between us. Although I totally get what you preach and that's your're your best contractor but There's not enough time to be when one has a 9 to 5 job and I'm a DIYer cuz I like the action...hands on. Not to mention when things go south for doing it myself, I have no one to blame so it becomes a learning experience. Love your content. Keep it coming.
Connecting Contractors to Customers sounds like a great idea! I wish I had that in Japan where I live now.
As a contractor in AK, I could see how a contractor / client dating service could be very useful, HOWEVER, it would have to be free from the Angie's List / Home Advisor sales stink. You are a very trustworthy contractor who could mediate these relationships and you know what red flags to look out for (on both sides of the contract), so if you could figure out a way to vet the contractors and set the client expectations without bilking the client out of 20% of the project cost (I'm looking at you Angie's list and Home Advisor!), then I think it's a great service in the making (basically becoming almost a general contractor who can provide the interpersonal relationship portion of the business - I'd pay 10% for that as a client). Keep up the great work - cheers!
Great point! Find the right fit. I live in small northern Ontario town. Nothing here gets done pretty except for a select few good DIYers and maybe 1 or 2contractors. Your channel makes the difference in places like this!
Cheers Gary!
Oh, please, YES!. We are renovating our living room right now and so far the hardest part has been finding a contractor. Either nobody wants to work or everybody is busy working (which I doubt), and when we get in contact with someone they only give us the usual: "I'll let you know..." What is wrong with this people?
Very true statement about looks aren't everything. I had three contractors recommended by three good friends. They loved them. These guys basically ghosted me when it came to the estimate. Some would not return calls or texts. I was 100% on board with her ideas. No attitude. Then, I had a contractor come over to do some carpentry. He look like he was homeless lol. I was worried at first, but he kicked ass. 100% professional job. So you just never know.
Thanks for your information. I think in Canada they have much better consumer protection laws. Here in the US consumer protection agencies have dissolved in the last 40 years or so.
Yes, please I would love the service that you mention. INTERVENTION to recommend a good contractor for me. That is a great idea. Thank you
Yes! It’s been extremely hard to find contractors especially during this pandemic. I wish that service existed two months ago.
Yes more information about contractors. Maybe you hiring someone as a customer or vice versa? I love the content of your program. I’ve done most of my renovations for the past 30 years I’m almost 70 now and have skills just not enough energy for a big project, so I’m looking for a contractor in the San Francisco Bay Area. 😅
Jeff I do believe that here in the state of Georgia we have a law that gives you 3 days no matter where the contract is signed you have that period of time to get out of the contract.
You are spot on that half of the price is going towards taxes another half is going to materials. Don't forget to get their copy of their workman's comp numbers, then call to make sure it is current and paid up enough to cover the $ amount your job.
Also contact your own insurance company and have an addition to your insurance supply additional coverage just in case they have a major catastrophe and want to sue you you'll have the insurance if needed to cover that.
Grateful that you can share this information with us. Loved the LED expo.
yes intervention and all other things concerning job occupational hazards lets say would be great information to have, thank you !
This would be a definite thumbs up. I've been seeking competent contractors for several years now. You wouldn't think windows, siding, deck & some concrete repair woult be that tough. I had to call 15 contractors to get one to even show up. We have a serious drug problem plaguing this country & it has taken record numbers out of contractors out commission. Even lawn & snow removal co's are getting scarce.
Wow, I just gave me some great information. Really opened my eyes 👀.
One customer I had wanted me to take them to a few houses I painted to check out how strait my cuts were 😂
I told them let’s start small and paint your bedroom, if you like it we can continue.
I ended up painting the entire house, and last year finished their basement. 👍
Huge need for intervention! We’ve gutted and expanded our home 1954 to add living, kitchen and master suite, basement. Electric ad HVAC overhaul. We’re in the middle and it is anything but harmonious right now. We had multiple other builders come out and no one wanted the work. Maybe we didn’t call the right people? So we went with the one selling us on smooth, uncomplicated, complete quality work. We called referrals and talked to homeowners currently building, did all of the prep work and now have a huge mess where the old and new floor are 2 1/4 inches in height difference and arguing over how to resolve it. (We want a slope 1/16in per foot over 15-20 feet, they want a step through the middle of an open concept).
I wish I have the knowledge before I sign my contract with Lennar Builder in Forney, TX. They fit all the information you shared. I would have never sign my name. I hope many would take heed. Thanks alot.
Pretty much everything he said. I’m a contractor in the US. I don’t advertise, just word of mouth. It’s good for me and everyone else.
I think that is a great idea! It is very difficult to hire a contractor. I get the feeling as a female, if I start telling them my expectations, they want to run away! They look at me like you are trying to tell them how to do their job! Little do they know that Jeff showed me how the job should be done 🤣 He he he!!! Seriously though, it’s not easy to hire a contractor especially if you are a female.
I'm lucky to get people to actually call me back and/or come look at what I want done. Then when they do show up they treat me like I'm an idiot. I had to write off a local hardware store because I was treated so poorly at the project desk (by the owner!) Misogyny is very alive and well in the renovation business.
I have the same problem when I go to shop for clothes.
YES I would gladly take a contractor recommended by you
Jeff you relate to me with your clarity of purpose and logic. I wish ALL “contractors” had your ethics and savvy. Better still I wish I could afford to send a private jet and limo with five star accommodations to bring you to oversee my renovations! You are a good man-
Wow! As a GC I was nervous about this video, I love your stuff and have learned quite a bit from this channel. But this video is great! What a great way to portray realistic expectations. You nailed it!
Yes. Interested in the contractor owner connection
a contractor that can be verified by someone in the business is DEFINITELY needed ....yes your recommendations would most certainly be helpful
definitely man, it would be nice if we had "packages" that differ in terms of how much of the job is done by the contractor. if we take finishing a basement as an example, 10% would be someone to just inspect the electricity and hookup the new wiring to the breaker, 100% would be a full finished basement. if you can design these "products" and create an "exchange" along with a warranty.... that would be totally sweet.
Marlon Fermat ABSOLUTELY!
It is absolutely a scary process. Our area had a hail storm several months ago, and there are roofers knocking on our door every once in a while, and I have no idea if they are good company, or someone exploiting the situation. Finally I found someone to check and work with my insurance, but still having very difficult time trusting that someone is actually a good one (just start negotiation)
it is a real minefield to find the right contractor that will deliver the desired result. whenever possible try the diy angle.
Would love what you proposed putting together about connecting contractors through referrals!
Yes please!!! Especially down here in Los Angeles.
Hey Jeff. Yes. I would be very interested receiving that type of information you mention. I want to learn how to handle contractors for fix and flip project and buy and holds rentals.
1.How to pay them.
2.Time frame
3. Order of doing project
4. Protect oneself from liabilities Or being taken advantage of.
Please make more videos for investors how to deal with contractors.
WOW!!!... That intervention idea is a really good one!!!... I believe it would really help!... It's really daunting to choose a contractor coz you don't know... Connecting people through a service will definitely help a lot of people!...
Thanks for being so straight forward, Jeff!...
Great advices. Thx Jeff. Here in QC there are a few platforms available mostly sponsored by CAA, insurance companies etc. I don't think there are 100% unbiased.
It'd be great if someone as knowledgeable as you in each province could a video like this. I'd really like to know some of the more surprising rules in Alberta
Thanks for this. We won’t be building until 2022, but already we have to get our ducks in a row. Anything you offer has been very helpful. Keep the great content coming.
Yes to intervention
Question.... how does the homeowner know the contractor doesn’t want the job if the contractor doesn’t say they don’t want the job?
How do you know if you are a bad home owner and how do you fix that
What is the time frame for receiving a bid?
What do you do if the contractor seems like a good fit, but won’t / can’t/ makes excuses strings you along as far as making the bid? 3 weeks later, he talks to you but doesn’t submit bid.
Yes! Please connect us to good contractors! Intervention is needed!💯
Finding quality local contractors is not easy in more rural areas. Difference between tradespeople and contractors. When I think contractors, I think a job that needs multiple trades that may include design and then build an addition like a 20x40 ft multi purpose workshop/storage/pool equipment etc in the backyard.
Absolutely. Very hard to find a reliable and competent contractor that doesn’t half ass stuff
Just listened to your interview on Bigger Pockets podcast. Great stuff! Thanks for your perspective and experience.
I’m new to getting familiar with this business aspect of doing great work on my own and learning the tips of becoming my own boss.. been doing electrical work for 8 years and 3 of those years was being more on my own.. I’m trying to learn knowledge of every aspect of the job and what it details.. little info like this definitely helps... for instance I wasn’t aware all that info goes into a contract.. hey I just turned 30 years old I’m learning
yes put it together.thanks
Dude, you're great at delivering information!
I'm impatient and kind of a know-it-all, but i know when I'm hearing something valuable
You are just simply Awesome Jeff! Your information helps us women who are sole home owners.
Yes! Intervention would be great!
Yes that would be an excellent idea Jeff! Thanks for a great channel!
Thanks for the tips!
Yes that sounds like a good idea that way the contractor will feel confident given the best price for the best work as well as the homeowner will be given a decent price and they also will be comfortable with the quality of work that this contractor Shirley and honestly give them it's like a trust trust would be wonderful in the world we live in today yes so you can bring closure for the homeowner and the contractor would be absolutely great
Yes, In. the US as well.
Didn't see it said yet. If you find those rare contractors that are willing to do a little extra and do good work, keep them happy. If you know they bid low, consider giving them extra at the end of the job as a tip. Or when they are working, like one of our contractors were (hand digging heavy clay soil in July/August), invest in them a bit by having bottled water or gatorade on ice for them near the worksite. If they dont partake, don't hold it against them. The kind gestures will pay off, especially if you are hoping to use them on future work.
You're the man, Jeff!