If you want to be a homeowner, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to work with a contractor at some point.
The best way to find a contractor is still through referrals and word of mouth but there’s also a ton of online resources now like Thumbtack and Angi’s List that you can use find someone.
Now, If you have a fairly big job (like a kitchen renovation), you’ll want to get multiple quotes. The key here is to get specific about the scope of work and use the same SOW for ALL your quotes and proposals.
You’ll also want a performance-based payment schedule. Basically, that means you’ll paid the contractor as they finish specific part of the job. Never pay the contractor in full until the job is completely done. That could be waiting for the city permit to be closed out.
Finally, you’ll learn that there’s a whole spectrum of contractors. some are really expensive, some are really professional, some are not licensed, some are just handyman, and they all come a different price points.
Your job is to match the right caliber of contractors to the job that you have.
