How to Find a Contractor

Learning how to find a contractor is key to a successful renovation or home project. If you end up with the wrong one, it’s not a pretty process. Not only does it add stress, but it also adds time and money, which no one has extra of these days. So, in order to end up with the right one to fit your project’s needs, here are a few tips on how to find a contractor.

How to find a contractor

Ask Friends

Ask your local friends and neighbors who they suggest. Whether you have to knock on your neighbor’s front door or post on your Facebook profile, someone will definitely have an opinion. Everyone loves to give an opinion when asked, so expect to be flooded with options and results with this option.

Post in Local Groups

If you aren’t having any luck with the first suggestion, search for Facebook groups that are just for your city. There are plenty that aren’t meant for yard sale items, but just for the community to connect with one another. Post your search here and you’ll be met with many names and suggestions. Probably a lot more than you’ll ever need. Plus, it’s nice to support locals.

If you live in a pretty large city like Atlanta, be sure to post what area of the city so it narrows results for you. This will help keep it even more local and you know I like supporting local.

Check the Next Door App

The Next Door app allows you to post and be found by people in your area without having to use such a large and public platform such as Facebook. The entire app is about connecting with your next door neighbor or people in your area. This isn’t a hook up app either. It’s about giving advice on how to find a contractor, helping find someone’s lost pet, sharing a recipe for the best Peach Pound Cake, and more.

Tips for Finding a Contractor

• Check Reviews – Even if someone local suggests someone, you’ll want to cover yourself by jumping on Google or social media to check reviews. Don’t just jump ship at the first negative review. If they have, overall, good ratings and feedback, then odds are, you’re safe to use them.
• Use an Experienced Contractor – Be sure the person you’re looking at has experience in what you’re needing. Especially if it’s a special technique. If they don’t, they’ll be getting their feet wet on your house, and most of us prefer for that not to be the case. Even if they’re good at their job, that doesn’t mean they’ll be great at every technique and aspect of the job, since it covers a wide portion of skills.
• Don’t pay the entire bill up front – Any good contractor will either have you pay half or the money for the supplies before beginning the job. Don’t pay the full price up front or you don’t have protection for yourself if the deal goes sideways.
• When in doubt, Google it – Odds are, you can find a contractor just by doing a quick search. All the reviews you need will be right with the listing as well. However, I’m not a huge fan of this option because it often leaves out the smaller guys.