Building Contractors and Service

[operatorextreme]

In general what are the wait times to receive service or start the construction process.

My area to choose a contractor would be in the Southern Illinois, Southern Indiana, or Western Kentucky locations.

It seems most are very busy and wait times are long even for detailed estimates. Most don't even return calls or mail.

Is this fairly normal in most of the country at this time of year? Or the general attitude with the industry.

 

[thewatusi]

Lead time to get started is a function of how busy a particular contractor is. I'd be wary of someone who could start the next day. They either have no work or are going to sub out the job to another guy who has no work.

Now, not calling back when someone requests an estimate is inexcusable IMO. At the very least a good company should call back the same day and acknowledge the potential customer.

 

[Cyberbear]

Contractors are a weird breed, I've worked for several and learned a lot. All contractors live on cash flow, and often over extend themselves in order to keep fresh money coming down the pipeline. Always get everything in writing and never give final payment until you are completely satisfied, otherwise you may never see them again. Always check with your state contractors board and see what kind of reputation they have based on filed complaints. Not all contractors are crooks but it only takes a few flaky ones to ruin it for everyone concerned.

 

[wssix99]

All contractors live on cash flow, and often over extend themselves in order to keep fresh money coming down the pipeline.

^This.

Contractors that stay in business will have many irons in the fire at one time. The hotter your iron is, the happier you will be. The larger your project, the more stable your project, and the faster you are willing to pay will all make you more attractive.

What are you building? Depending on that, we can give you tips to get responses.

 

[Scott r c]

Contractors are a weird breed, I've worked for several and learned a lot. All contractors live on cash flow, and often over extend themselves in order to keep fresh money coming down the pipeline. Always get everything in writing and never give final payment until you are completely satisfied, otherwise you may never see them again. Always check with your state contractors board and see what kind of reputation they have based on filed complaints. Not all contractors are crooks but it only takes a few flaky ones to ruin it for everyone concerned.

Good contractors don't operate this way. Personally I have to overschedule a bit to compensate for others delays and weather delays, but its not a money thing. Heck we end up financing the job too as it takes 60 days to get a draw. Good contractors don't take money upfront, and don't rob Peter to pay Paul.