We want to build a home but how can we find an honest contractor that wont take advantage of us?

Question

As we have started this project it has really weakened my trust in man kind! we just want a contractor that tells the truth and pay him what he is worth. We have been ripped off by two surveyers that put us out 1400,and finally found an honest one that did a great job. We thought we found an honest contractor that goes to our church, but all he is interested in is cutting us a deal if we give him a piece of land that we own. If we have to go through this every step of the way i'm not sure it's worth it. Please give us some suggestions . thank's Dawn

Answer 1

When choosing a contractor,it's best to check them out with Better Business Bureau and see if there were any complaints against this company or if they are capable of doing the job.Be wary of those who want a big chunk up front before any work is done.Good Luck.

Answer 2

Whatever contractor you are looking at, check with the Better Business Bureau and the Consumer Protection Agency to see if they have any complaints filed against them.

Always make sure everything, from the smallest detail to the largest is in writing and signed.

I don't know where you live, but check with your neighbors to see if they have had any work done and ask if you can see it if they are happy with it. If any new buildings have gone up in your area ask who the contractor was and find out if the owner was happy with them. Find out if any lending institution in your area would be willing to tell you, off the record, who is getting the most business. Ask potential contractors for past customers names and then followup. Look in magazine credits for who the contractor was that did the work.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Ask friends who've hired contractors before who they used, what they thought of the work done, how well the contractor stayed on schedule, how he handled changes, extra costs, etc. Pick out at least 3 contractors, interview them, ask them all sorts of questions. Get references from them for people they've done work for. Contact those previous customers and ask them all the questions you asked your friends, plus any others you've thought of.

If your friends haven't hired contractors, go to businesses that deal with them, but don't compete. IE, lumberyards, plumbers, electricians, etc. Ask them who does the kind of work you want done, who they would hire if they were going to have the work done, who has a reputation for good work at a fair price. See if you can't get a list of 3-5 contractors in your area from several different sources like this. If the same 2-3 names keep coming up this way, you may have some good leads.

Answer 4

The contractor that wants a piece of your land might be in trouble with the law!You could ask someone in your city government if they could recommend a contractor or drive around to see houses that are being built then talk to the contractor on the job.

Answer 5

Please think of us contractors with the shoe on the other foot.
We get a new client and we put all of our trust into this client that they are going to pay us.
The best way is to go cost plus a percentage for his fee.
Demand he get three bids on all of his subcontracted work, go over all of the bids with him to choose the appropriate subcontractor.
Have him give you a budget for the amount he will be doing in house, then how much per man hourto do this work
Don't forget his supervision time is billable.
Have weekly meetings at the site. Don't go on your own time and make a list as this will put both of you under stress. Do it when both of you are there.
This is the best amicable arrangement for you to be happy and not worry about shoddy work.
Remember to have as many decisions already thought of before your plans are done as change orders slow your project down immensely.
Also, Would you want to sleep in a house with a storm coming, built by someone with the lowest possible bid?

Answer 6

When I was looking for a contractor I contacted my local Chamber of Commerce to see who was a member in good standing...and who had complaints. I found a wonderful contractor and it is worth it... Hang in there.

Answer 7

Dawn, I feel for ya. Unfortunately their are people out their who do this. For one try to keep your cool, and don't let any one bully you during this process. For two, you have the right to ask someone for their references, and for them to show you some of the things they have done and for how much. A truthful businessman who would want your business would do this much for you. If you have your house "plans" done, then you can ea sly go to home depot, and ask the people their to look at your plans, and give a rough estimate on what it would cost. Estimates are normally free and i would get a bunch gathered, along with references, and then make my choice. Good luck, and happy home!

Answer 8

Hi,

Try these two sites.

http://www.contractors.com/h/findcontractor/
http://www.servicemagic.com/

When a contractor contacts you tell him you want references in your area that you can contact and visit.

No references.......no deal!

Good luck

Bob

Answer 9

I know a great contractor that does great work um... ---------------------------------------ALLREMODEL.COM----------------------------------------------- the phone # is 1-877-257-1610-------------or go to allremodel.com.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!