Reply to New to dealing with contractors -- advice, please

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[quote=Anonymous]I agree with 3 quotes. I only followed up with people if I wanted to work with them but their price was out of line (many contractors do come down in price if you have multiple bids, or they will explain why they are worth more), they spent a particularly long time talking to me or followed up with me. It was an easy conversation, don't stress about that.

Here's what I will tell you though: Prepare to stay on top of your contractors. I did tons of due diligence, hired great contractors and professionals... and I still had to be on their ass about stuff. Their subs (or they) will try to cut corners, they'll miss deadlines, they will fail to communicate things, etc. Even if they're great. No one else has your interests in mind and you have to prepare to be an advocate for yourself. If they are doing something you aren't sure about, it's much better to jump in and ask questions before they get any further in the project. Take pictures and text them to your contractor if needed.

I'm a very assertive person, comes easily for me -- and I found it very exhausting to constantly be on top of the contractor relationship. Again, this is with multiple projects, several different contractors, all well-vetted. It is just a fact, no one else will care as much as you do, and you're the one that has to live with the results. Prepare yourself to advocate.

I personally found Angie's List very useful when we were going through a period of heavy renovation, even though they have to pay to be on there so you may miss other great providers. I didn't renew after that but I do kind of miss my membership. [/quote]

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