Skip to Content

Hiring Contractors: Tips, Tricks, and What to Avoid

Two property managers hiring contractors and shaking hands Hiring qualified, dependable contractors for your property improvements and fixes can be one of the most difficult aspects of investing in Chamblee single-family rental properties. Few investors have the time or resources to hire a contractor who isn’t able to produce a good quality job. But the truth is that there are con artists and others who will attempt to defraud you of your money and abandon you. However, finding reliable, moderately priced contractors is achievable if you are aware of a few straightforward strategies and ideas as well as what to avoid.

Ask for Referrals

You want dependable contractors to wrap up the job when you’re a property owner. It is a good idea to search for industry experts that you will want to hire repeatedly. This will save you a great deal of time and money. But, in seeking out contractors who might cultivate long-term business partnerships, you must first carry out research. Looking for suggestions from reliable real estate agents, Chamblee property managers, and other property owners is a great way to begin. Also, you can look up prospective contractors online. Some websites attempt to assist users in vetting contractors via customer evaluations or professional advice.

Ask for References

Searching for references is yet another tip for discovering a great contractor (or two). A good contractor will be happy to give you the names of one or more former customers who can comment on their satisfaction. Ask specific questions about the contractor’s dependability, affordability, response, and flexibility once you have their name. Has the price remained the same? How did they take your issues and changes? It is in your best interest to keep looking if you have concerns about the responses you receive.

Research Your Top Picks

It’s crucial to properly investigate a hire’s credentials and internet reviews before making a decision. Consult your state’s licensing board and local court documents for your contractor’s name. You should not use unlicensed contractors, as doing so could expose you to severe liabilities regarding your rental property. Several reports or lawsuits are an ominous sign. The same holds true if you are having trouble getting the contractor to pick up the phone or return your calls. Even though a few missed calls may not necessarily indicate danger, give it more than 24 hours before following up.

As the bid process is underway, there are a few other danger signs to look out for. For instance, keep an eye out for negative internet reviews or suspiciously low costs, and avoid the business if you discover either. Also, it’s recommended to steer clear of any contractor who requests a sizable upfront deposit. Anything above 15% should raise red flags. This is additionally true if the contractor mentions that they will require unlimited time and supplies or makes significant guarantees about how much they can achieve in the time frame specified. It is crucial to select someone who is continuously realistic regarding project prices and completion deadlines, in addition to someone who can work efficiently.

Focus on Quality

Once you’ve screened a few possible contractors, get bids from them. The bid should provide you with an idea of what you might anticipate paying for the service, as well as how each contractor calculates their prices. Although it may be tempting, you should not accept the lowest offer, especially if it is much cheaper than the others. Very low bids may indicate that the contractor is attempting to entice you with a low price before tacking on additional fees. They may also suggest that the contractor has no intention of acquiring the necessary work permits. At the same time, it is crucial not to overpay for a contractor’s services. Aim for the middle offer, which is likely to be the most reasonable.

It can take some time at first to find the correct contractors for your investment property’s repairs and improvements. But once you choose whom you can trust to complete the task, this component of your property management plan can become streamlined and effective. Notifying Real Property Management Greenway can help you save time because they have connections all around Chamblee. Contact 770-771-6102 for extra info right away.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details