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[hoosieroriginal]

Whenever I see someone doing work on a home that I might be interested in the future - I stop and get their name and phone number or a card.  This has worked to my benefit many times.  I just had a new front deck put on.  Stopped a couple of guys cutting down trees (because I have a lot of trees too) and asked them what other work they did.  They were also in process of putting on a deck in my area and did a fantastic job.  I had them come by and give me an estimate, asked when they could start, they came back that night and tore off my old deck and started on the new one the next day.  Just a couple of good old guys - they are the best kind - they have a good work ethic and get the job done. 

[hoosieroriginal]

P.S. - I also got my siding contractor after someone bought and fixed up a house down the street and they put new siding on it.  I stopped by when they had a showing of the house to ask the guy who bought it who they used (as the siding went on in just a couple days for the entire house and looked really nice).  It was Lowe's.  I used them to put siding on my house and they did a fabulous job. 

[Mominohio]

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@NicksmomESQ 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.

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This is good advice, as there are many 'handy man' type businesses springing up everywhere. 

But beware! Many of them don't have the proper insurance and workers comp coverage, and don't follow rules for permits etc. required in your area (we live in an area that has no zoning, very few permits and inspections, and it is amazing what 'handy men' will try to pull over on you here). 

Good luck, finding good contractors/workers in so hard.

[chrystaltree]

You should ask friends, neighbors, relatives.  You also have to negotiate.  My guess is that the guy who claimed he wouldn't such a small job would have been willing to meet your half way.  Home repairs are costly.  $1000 job isn't worth getting into the truck for a contractor, even a small one but if you know for a fact that you only need some minor repairs, a handyman is probably your best bet. 

[kivah]

You probably need a handyman. Contractors are NOT the most hones people either. A month ago, I needed a few minor repairs in my home - one was replacing a wall switch since it was cracked -- and the light bulb in my dressing area wouldn't stay on. The other was cleaning out the plumbing under my master sink as the water wasn't draining quickly. There's a website that I'm on - and is available thru the U.S. Called nextdoor dot com. You put in ur zip code and answer a few questions - then u could post anything --- and read others posts. I went on there and posted the repairs and within a few hours, one of my neighbors living a few blocks away came over (I never met him before). He was a retired electrician from the navy and owns a construction company. He did the repairs and didn't even want to charge me. I gave him $25 for his time. He did a great job - and said if I need anything else to call him. Check out this site - there are many people in the trades who can help u - and u won't break the bank. Some people just like to help!!!!

You can also check out Yelp --- for handymen - and read the reviews. I found several people on here, ie, plumber, carpet cleaner, window washer, etc.

[VaBelle35]

My local TruValue Hardward Store is family owned and they list recommended vendors on their site.  That's how I found my handyman and my plumber.  

Many people who work for large contractors take these smaller jobs for evenings and weekends.  The trick is to find them as it is usually through word of mouth.  My HOA keeps a list of vendors as well, most live in my development.