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Contractor Hiring 101: Tips, Tricks, and Red Flags to Avoid

Young couple talking to construction worker about housing design plans at construction siteOne of the most difficult aspects of investing in Holly Springs single-family rental properties can be locating competent and dependable contractors for property maintenance and renovations. Few investors have the time or resources to squander on a contractor who would blatantly produce subpar work. But in actuality, there are people out there who will try to con you out of your money and then abandon you. It is fortunately possible to identify the trustworthy, fairly priced contractors you require for every work by being aware of a few basic tips, methods, and things to avoid.

Ask for Referrals

You need reputable contractors who can finish the job if you’re a property owner. It’s a good idea to hunt for industry experts you’ll be interested in employing time and time again to complete work for you. You can save a great deal of time and money by doing so. To find contractors with whom you can develop long-term business relationships, you have to start with research. Inquiring about recommendations from reliable property managers, real estate brokers, and other property owners is a fantastic place to start. Online research is another option for finding a contractor. Many websites make an effort to assist in vetting contractors through client evaluations or even expert suggestions.

Ask for References

Asking for references is another trick for finding a fantastic contractor (or two). Top-notch contractors will be pleased to give you the names of one or more former customers who may share their feedback. Once you have a list of potential contractors, be sure to inquire about their dependability, cost, responsiveness, and adaptability. Did they adhere to the agreed price? How did they handle your issues and changes? It’s best to keep looking if you have any reservations about the responses you receive.

Research Your Top Picks

It’s crucial to conduct a complete investigation of a candidate’s credentials and web reviews before making a hiring decision. For the name of your contractor, contact the state licensing board and look it up in the local court records. Use of unlicensed contractors is not advised as this may expose your rental property to significant liability. Numerous complaints or lawsuits are an extremely negative indicator. The same remains valid if you cannot get the contractor to answer their phone or return any of your messages. A few missed calls here and there might not necessarily suggest trouble, but if more than 24 hours go by with no reply, it’s time to search someplace else.

While the bid process is underway, there are a few other red flags to look out for. For instance, keep an eye out for negative internet reviews or suspiciously cheap costs, and avoid the business if you discover them. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid hiring any contractor who requests a substantial deposit up front. Concern should be raised if the percentage exceeds 15%. The same holds true if the contractor indicates that they will require limitless resources (time and supplies) or make broad declarations about how much they can accomplish in a short amount of time. It’s important to select someone who is realistic about project expenses and completion dates even though you do need someone who can work efficiently.

Focus on Quality

Once you have evaluated several potential contractors, request bids from them. The quote will give you an idea of the cost of the job as well as the methodology used by each contractor to determine their rates. Even while it could be tempting, resist the urge to accept the lowest offer, especially if it is much less than the others. Extremely cheap bids may occasionally be an indication that the contractor is attempting to get your business by offering a low price only to tack on extra fees later. They can also indicate that the contractor does not intend to secure the necessary work permits. Likewise, it is essential not to overpay for your contractor’s task. In order to be the most realistic, aim for the medium bid.

It can take some effort at first to find the perfect contractors for the upgrades and repairs you need to make to your investment property. That part of your property management strategy, however, may become a quick and easy procedure once you know who you can count on to complete the work. You can save yourself time by contacting Real Property Management Excellence, who has established contacts throughout Holly Springs. Call us at 919-827-1107
for more information today.

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