If you’re a property owner planning a major renovation, in need of any emergency repair, or looking for a maintenance team for your rental business, you’re in the right place. There will likely be many contractors in your area but remember to choose wisely. You’re looking for more than just a helping hand; you need a contractor you can rely on. A trustworthy contractor usually has a network of tradespeople who can step in when the need arises. If you find the right person, you may never have to search for qualified maintenance support again. Here’s how to find a contractor you can trust.
1. Search for a Contractor with a Good Reputation
Finding a contractor isn’t necessarily the issue. Your goal is to find an ethical, reliable contractor you can trust. As you begin your search, you may be able to find the right contractor through:
Someone you know
The number one place to start searching for a trusted contractor is among your friends, family, and neighbors. After a while, many contractors rely on satisfied customers to do their advertising for them. It’s how they build their reputation and client base. If you’re looking for a contractor to complete a particular task, look for people you know who have had that type of work done and ask for recommendations.
Neighborhood review websites
Neighborhood discussion groups are also a great way to find contractors. When you ask for recommendations on popular sites like Nextdoor, you typically get several leads, including contact information. Neighborhoods sites like this will not only provide you with recommendations, but recommendations in your specific area.
Social media or advertising sites
To broaden your audience, try posting on one of your social media platforms asking online connections for contractor recommendations. You may get a few leads from people you wouldn’t normally consider asking. You can also check advertising websites where people list their services online. Just remember to verify any information provided to you on one of these sites to check for credibility.
Local hardware and building supply centers
At your local hardware store or building supply center, you will likely find plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and more. Simply ask the customer service representative for business cards for whatever service you need. They will likely have several on file.
2. Ask Potential Contractors the Right Questions
After you find a few candidates, it’s time to get in touch. A trustworthy contractor should be able to answer the following questions:
- How long have you been in business?
- Have you done this kind of work before and how often?
- Do you have references?
As you can imagine, references are very important when hiring someone to complete a job. A reference should include contact information so you can follow up. When you call the reference, you’ll want to know the following information:
- Did the contractor do the work in a complete and timely manner?
- Was the contractor well organized?
- Was the contractor easy to work with and professional?
- Did personal problems ever interfere with the work?
- Did the contractor charge a fair price for the work? Were there extra charges?
- Would you ever hire this contractor again?
3. Schedule a Meeting with Potential Contractors
A face-to-face meeting (or a video call) is the next step before making any final decisions. During the meeting, you’ll want to go over the details of the job, as well as get a feel for the contractor’s attitude towards work. You could ask questions such as:
- How long have you been doing this kind of work?
- Do you have the proper licenses and insurance to complete this work?
- What is your availability?
These questions will gauge whether the contractor is the right fit for you and your rental property. As you explain the details of the job, you’ll also want the contractor to provide an estimate for the work, especially if it’s a major renovation to your unit. You’ll want to compare estimates between potential contractors, as well as their answers to your interview questions.
4. Clearly Outline Your Expectations
As the property owner, you need to find someone who is going to do the job right the first time. If you are relying on this contractor for basic and emergency maintenance as well, then this person (and potentially their subcontractors) will be the one to assist your tenant when there are maintenance issues and repairs that need to be completed.
Clearly outline the details of the job and what you are looking for in a contractor. You should hire a contractor who is professional, timely, and skilled. It’s also important to ensure the contractor you choose manages their time wisely and can show up in an emergency if necessary.
Remember, Trust Is a Two-Way Street
Although you shouldn’t micromanage a professional, it’s a good idea to stay in touch with them and communicate any concerns you may have. Addressing issues such as work standards or punctuality from the start prevents small matters from turning into bigger problems later on.
If you want to build a contact list of professional contractors (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, etc.) for your rental property, you need to remember that the professional relationship goes both ways. If you expect them to be professional, reliable, and communicative, you’ll need to do the same. Once you have a contractor you can trust, you can add their information to your contact list right alongside your lawyer, accountant, and other professionals that help you maintain your successful rental business. Additionally, once you have a list of contractors, make sure your tenants have easy access to repairs when you need them! With Apartments.com, renters can submit maintenance requests, and you can update them as the repairs progress.
