How do you find contractors - need advice

[vrinner]

Back in the day there used to be this thing called the Yellow Pages. You would go to the "General Contractors" or whatever category you think you needed and would find reputable (well...at least they paid the cost to get into the YP) and local companies that matched your criteria.

Now when searching on the Internet you get all these companies and many of them are not local. I've looked in Yelp, HomeAdvisor but they just seem riddled with ads and reviews that seem on either end of the spectrum.

Any tips on finding some good local contractors to do garage builds. I think I want to be my own GC for my project but that means finding my own independent contractors for everything from design, engineering, concrete, framing, roof, on an an.

FWIW I'm in Orange County, CA.

 

[BigEd]

Go to a good lumber yard early in the morning.
There will probably be a number of contractors there.

 

[Stuart in MN]

They still have Yellow Pages. If you don't have the hard copy it appears they are also online: https://www.yellowpages.com/

 

[kaiser715]

Ask somebody that just built a house....we are finishing up construction now, and I have made it a point to get business cards/contact information for every sub that's been on site, in case I need any work/changes in the future.

Also...look at houses under currently construction. Look at which ones have great electrical work, plumbing, etc, vs. those that are not as well done. Then do your homework (research the permits....look in the permit box, or look it up online, and see who the sub is). At least that'll work for electrical, plumbing, etc trades that have to pull their own permit.

Ask a friendly inspector, too....I ran into one of the county guys at lunch one day, and picked his brain. Not where we could be overheard, though, and I phrased my questions carefully. They can't come right out and say that contractor "A" is great, and to stay away from "B". But, if he's smart, and you ask smart questions, you'll get some good intel.

Do your math carefully....I considering being my own GC, but in the end went with a GC I have known for years. Did cost plus. His fee was 10%. I talked with many of the subs during the construction....most said they charge 20-25% MORE to an individual or self-contractor than to a GC. Partly due to knowing they'll get repeat business from a GC, but mostly to cover the additional costs working for a less-experienced project manager (owner-builder). Screw-ups, poor planning, poor scheduling, materials not on site in time, etc. Self-contracting can very easily end up costing you more, not less.

 

[77Birdman]

Ask at a "good lumber yard", not a big box store. Talk to a salesman there. They will know the guys that are reputable.
I am a contractor and worked thru Home Advisor for awhile (not currently doing work with them, that's a long story). I would not rule them out for a source as well. If you go there you should have a couple of guys getting back to you. Keep in mind with them, their biggest criteria for contractors are that they be licensed. They really dont have control over quality though. The reviews will determine that.

 

[Git]

finding my own independent contractors for everything from design, engineering, concrete, framing, roof, on an an.

FWIW I'm in Orange County, CA.

Start with the engineer/architect who is going to draw up your plans and go from there. They should be able to give you some reputable contractors that can build what they have designed

 

[GTO]

Referrals only,reputable.
Good luck

 

[SALIV8]

I've used word of mouth referrals, Yelp, tried home advisor (was not impressed with any they sent except one outfit) and even one time took down the info off a truck I saw driving that looked professional (these guys turned out to be amazing Mason's). I've also called roofing supply places and would second that speaking to or going to a lumber yard for their recommendations is great advice also.

The supply houses will typically be helpful in my experience even if you just call them and explain what you're looking for.

So try all avenues and be clear on what you are looking for and once u start whittling away to who you are comfortable with ask them to show you what projects they've done and speak to their customers if possible.

 

[rossomania]

Real estate agents almost always have a reliable list of qualified contractors. I'd be surprised if a friend or a friend of a friend might be able to hook you up with some names and contact numbers.

 

[stonesfan68]

We've found them on a local group on Facebook. I would be hesitant about using anybody without a referral.

 

[Diesel Dan]

Finding contractors is easy.
Finding contractors that will show up is harder.
Finding contractors that are competent is the hardest.

 

[cullen]

Ive had my best luck with contractors from craigslist. I try to get at least 3 estimates too.

 

[WQ59B]

I'm a licensed contractor, have my own business, just me and my son. Started in 2007, have never advertised anywhere- no YP, nothing online, unlettered truck, etc. Work all the time, all repeat customers and referrals. Good work, good communication, show up on time, fair price, well-rounded scope of services and it feeds itself.

I used Home Advisor ONCE to get a roofing quote on a job I was quoting, and 3-4 years later they're still calling me to try and get me into their system. I don't have time to get bounced around as people price shop.

 

[Schurkey]

Finding contractors is easy.
Finding contractors that will show up is harder.
Finding contractors that are competent is the hardest.

Finding contractors in the Yellow Pages is easy.
Finding a contractor that will return a 'phone call is impossible.

I haven't gotten to the "competent" part. I'm still trying to find on one that wants work.

 

[Diesel Dan]

I don't have time to get bounced around as people price shop.

Main reason I request quotes from more than one is to see HOW they plan on doing the work. Price is irrelevant if they are not competent.

Like the guy bidding leveling the building pad. Was going to use the dozer to compact the fill on the low side.

 

[jetnow1]

Home Advisor will check that you have a license and insurance, and if your check to them clears. Good contractors are usually busy enough that the need to pay them for leads is
not there, take that for what you will. That said I found my foundation/slab guys thru them and was very satisfied with the foundation, not as much with the slab. Was able to grind it smooth so all is good.

 

[RNN14Wolfe]

I've had luck with very few contractors. Seems they never want to return your calls, or show up when they said they would.

It's almost like, what part of shut up and take my money don't you understand?

 

[sberry]

Tape some 100$ bills to your forehead and wander around Home Depot.

 

[Toomanytools?]

Back in the day there used to be this thing called the Yellow Pages. You would go to the "General Contractors" or whatever category you think you needed and would find reputable (well...at least they paid the cost to get into the YP) and local companies that matched your criteria.

Now when searching on the Internet you get all these companies and many of them are not local. I've looked in Yelp, HomeAdvisor but they just seem riddled with ads and reviews that seem on either end of the spectrum.

Any tips on finding some good local contractors to do garage builds. I think I want to be my own GC for my project but that means finding my own independent contractors for everything from design, engineering, concrete, framing, roof, on an an.

FWIW I'm in Orange County, CA.

Depending on your "project" subs aren't always excited about working with a homeowner that is acting as the GC. Not that it can't or doesn't happen. Most subs have a short list of GC's they work with and don't venture off track much. So if you want to oversee the project make sure you know how to schedule subs in, you don't want people tripping over everyone. You should have some idea of the local codes for what your doing. It's also good to check credentials of the subs if your doing a house or finished garage this could be 7 or 8 subs, that's a lot of leg work. It can be done just know what your getting into.

 

[OzarkMan]

Tape some 100$ bills to your forehead and wander around Home Depot.

Out here you'll have a truckload of illegals jumping in to help you on your job...

 

[vrinner]

Thanks everyone for the input. So I think a good approach is going to the local lumber yard (I have a couple of local Ganahl yards near me) and approach the guys who are actually working. Get several referrals and estimates.

Being my own GC may not be a great idea. My next door neighbor is a GC and he may be willing to help me out. Although I have done many smaller projects on my own, trying to save money on this big project is a goal but I do agree that sometimes just paying the extra is worth it in the long run.

 

[Deej-79]

Finding contractors in the Yellow Pages is easy.
Finding a contractor that will return a 'phone call is impossible.

I haven't gotten to the "competent" part. I'm still trying to find on one that wants work.

The industry is booming right now so anyone with a damn is busy as hell


And to the op, hire a gc, there's several reasons they get paid for what they do.

 

[klassenl]

The best way to find good trades is to be in the trades yourself.

 

[kaiser715]

Thanks everyone for the input. So I think a good approach is going to the local lumber yard (I have a couple of local Ganahl yards near me) and approach the guys who are actually working. Get several referrals and estimates.

The really good subs don't have time to be chasing materials....so you likely won't find them at the lumber yard or big boxes on a regular basis. 100% of the material on our recent house and shop build was either delivered by the builder's supply house, plumbing supply house, etc, or specialty stuff I picked up myself for the subs (tile, lighting fixtures, etc).