Finding contractors to do home repair

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

I need some siding on my house repaired. Have been trying to find someone who us willing to do a smaller job. Most will not even consider (bother) doing a job under $1000. It is very frustrating. The last contractor I contacted said they would only take the job if they were to replace all the siding on that side of the house( probably $5000). Most never return my emails or phone calls.

Really bad bad business practice I think!

Just Bling · ‎03-10-2010

This is true but your best bet is to network. There are many individuals who do not advertise and are only word of mouth. The big guys don't want to bother with the smaller jobs and you found that out.

Call a distributor of the brand siding you have and ask for help. Call a window contractor and ask them if they know of someone. I am not a fan of Angie's list but that's another option.

It took me lots of phone calls, searching online, to get the house I was selling last year flipped. Local papers, ask at the grocery store, ask your neighbors etc.

The only thing I would make sure is that they are bonded and insured and ask for a copy of that document. Good luck.

NicksmomESQ · ‎08-19-2014

@SeaMaiden Why don't you try getting a handyman? Someone who can do a variety of jobs.Where I live whenever something needs to be done they call a handyman to make the repair.They do small jobs as well as bigger ones.It's cheaper & they do a good job.I've seen them repair the siding after bad weather!!

I use a handyman all the time.Mine has power washed my patio,painted ,fixed my plumbing,changed light fixtures,changed the locks on my door,put a BBQ together & fixed a broken bannister etc.

QVCkitty1 · ‎05-23-2015

This is a real problem, I've had luck mostly asking other people. 2 years ago .I needed new front steps, and it wasn't until a random conversation with a guy from the water company that I got a name. It also helps to mention the person who recommended them. It was a pain , but I got my steps and a valuable contact.

" You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts."
Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Annabellethecat66 · ‎03-12-2010

@SeaMaiden I know EXACTLY what you mean. I need to get my house ready to sell. When my husband was alive he did everything and the house was perfect.

However, since he died, I just don't trust people to come and do things. My friend had rooms added to her house and the contractor (who used to be a neighbor) even had his own company and she has things like the water faucets are reversed, things don't work, it's a nightmare!

I do have someone I THINK can fix things for me, I just need to try them.

I think there are many just like us. It's hard to find someone who REALLY cares about the work they do.

I think I might call the people who repaired my house when we had a major house fire. They are a huge company and do the work themselves. That is a problem you do need to find someone who won't "sub" out the work, but will do the work themselves.

A lot of window companies hire subs to do the work and they don't keep track of them and it's a mess.

My late husband had his own guys who helped him fix up houses to sell. He'd buy them then sell them, so everything in my house was done perfectly. When I think back, it was wonderful. He even put new heating elements in our dryer, new heating elements in our hot water heater, you name it and it was done perfectly.

Other people act like they just don't care what kind of job they do.

I don't believe in Angie's list. I know someone who asked me if I'd submit their name for them. I said, "No because I don't know your work (he cut down trees)." I said, "I'm giving my name and character to people and I don't know what kind of job you do". He said, "I know people who've done that". I said, "Well thanks for telling me". Ha!

ccassaday · ‎10-21-2010

Withn the last 1.5 years we have had a few things we needed done on the outside of the house. My dad has had really good luck with going to home depot. They have a list of contractors you can call. Not sure if there is a advertising board or what. We live in IN where there is a lot of Amish. They put new siding on the back of the house and a few other things and did a great job. They were always here early and finished in a good time frame. My dad found him at Home Depot. Had all the trim painted and also found them at Home Depot. Any projects we have done inside we have developed a good relationship with a guy we found at our home and garden show. He helped with so many things on the inside when I moved in and we had to do a small Reno. My dad has called him a couple times since and he always comes over and will help my dad do something. And he always tells my dad to just right a check for what he thinks is fair since my dad always helps him. He will be helping with one other thing in the next month so we can put the house up for sale. So they are out there but are hard to find.

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

Have you tried Home Adviser or There's a new app called TAKL that seems to specialize in smaller jobs. I would stay away from anyone on Craig's List. I've had great luck with finding people on Home Adviser.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

Nicksmom wrote:
@SeaMaiden Why don't you try getting a handyman? Someone who can do a variety of jobs.I live in a townhouse development & whenever something needs to be done they call a handyman to make the repair.They do small jobs as well as bigger ones.It's cheaper & they do a good job.I've seen them repair the siding after bad weather!!
I use a handyman all the time.Mine has power washed my patio,painted ,fixed my plumbing,changed light fixtures,changed the locks on my door,put a BBQ together & fixed a broken bannister etc.

@NicksmomESQNot many of the "handy men" are bonded, licensed and insured...but, if I find one that was, I would hire him.

sandraskates · ‎06-26-2014

If you know a trusted real estate agent or property manager ask them for recommendations.

Trix · ‎03-16-2010

Sites such as Home Advisor and Angie's List are good resources. One of the best resources is to ask the neighbors. Even if they haven't had anything done recently to their home, they may be able to steer you to someone they know of who has recent positive experience with a contractor.