Asking for references

[dmlehmann]

I am collecting quotes for some concrete and masonry work (new foundation). Do you guys/gals normally ask for references? Some of the contractors have been in business for a while others are new. One, a new business, only lists a PO box. Everyone has to start somewhere, but I am a little weary.

Thanks


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[KissMyAxe]

Apparently the established guys around here are so busy that the times I've asked for references they just never get back to me. I suspect they have more than enough work and are picking the low hanging fruit. If I want them to jump through hoops they just put me at the bottom of the list.

So I've had to go by "gut feel" after I meet with them. I ask a few questions about the slump they like to place, what PSI mix, what size footer they cut, etc. I can tell pretty quickly if they know their stuff. Usually new guys have been employed on a crew and are just branching out on their own. If you time it right you can get some great work on the cheap, but timing is everything. And you have to have a good "gut feel" for them.

 

[southalabama]

I'm in a small town.

I just ask around. After a few calls I've gotten all the info I need.

 

[dmlehmann]

Thanks for the replies.

So far, my experience is mixed. The first guy's price was astronomical. He obviously was mot hurting for work. I honestly think he didn't want the job. The second guy, from an established company, simply forgot to we had an appointment. I called to see what was going on and he raced out to give a quote. Price was alright, but he wasn't well organized. The last guy came right out and offered a lower than expected price, but his company is less than 2 years old. The business only has a PO box which makes me nervous. On the other hand, he was punctual and professional.

I appreciated the demeanor of the third guy, but I am nervous about the business being so new (and lack of a physical address). So, I was hoping to get some ideas on how to vet them.


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[Daniel Dudley]

In the concrete world, you don't ask for references. You ask to see some of their work. Then you can get the references first hand.

 

[dmlehmann]

The website has a few pictures, but that is it. I can ask, but I am not sure I can pull it off.


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[Scott r c]

I could care less about where he gets his mail, I just want a good job.

 

[jasong70]

if its a big job get a construction manager who has lots of experience. He can assess their work as its carried out and/or will have trades he knows.

If you're doing it on your own, make sure you keeps a good eye on the work during progress. Don't pay it all up front. Payment sched depends on the job size and location. Keep enough in reserve that he's motivated to come back if there are any issues.

I personally like asking for references but usually say that I'm ready to move forward, I'd like to make a decision today/tomorrow, can you give me a couple of past clients to talk to today. They don't get the impression you're jerking them around and most pros will have a few references anyway.

Do a google search on the images on their web site. I did that for one contractor who was going to build bookshelves and he took the pictures from somewhere else. He claimed they were all his work (he didn't know i knew)