Comments on: Never Hire a Contractor without Following These 5 Steps First

By: Brenda L

Brenda L — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:51:40 +0000

I totally agree with you about Angie’s list. It has been my saving grace. I found my home inspector, auto detailer, and my real estate agent on there. And all where great. I think that’s a great place to start your list of professionals to inquire about and then implement the tips that are stated in the article.

By: como vestir bebes

como vestir bebes — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 04:03:09 +0000

If a contractor does not want to show license or insurance, just do not hire him.

By: Gil

Gil — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 09:11:49 +0000

I think those 5 steps for hiring a contractor are fine but in real life they are not working. Not all of them will show you their license or insurance.

By: Jesse

Jesse — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 06:54:23 +0000

You should always check out more than one contractor and compare their prices, just like when buying something: You want the best deal. I’ve been through hell with my contractor and am probably getting a new one pretty soon.

By: G.E. Miller

G.E. Miller — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 13:24:47 +0000

That’s a really good tip. Sorry that you got burned like that. Were you able to pursue some sort of legal action?

By: March Madness

March Madness — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 08:12:59 +0000

Tough lesson we learned was paying 1/2 of our cement work up front. Contractor took our check, cashed it, and we never heard from him. We checked three jobs he did. Lesson learned is only pay as work is completed.

By: Cal Phillips

Cal Phillips — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 06:41:21 +0000

Great points, however “Contractor’s License”, being a painting contractor for over 30 years, I have just recently seen one municipality requiring a “License to Paint” within that particular city. Not being confused with a Business License, having one for the last 2 decades.

I see this particular city reaching deep for every tax dollar they possibly can. Knowing that the city building inspector will not inspect between each painting intervals, and as to the adhesion properties, and mill thickness of paint.

By: JoeC

JoeC — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:26:44 +0000

Here is another vote for Angie’s list. I’ve used them for for plumbers, painters, landscaping, auto repair and more and have never had a bad experience (contrary to word of mouth referrals before we sound Angie’s list).

BTW – I have absolutely no interest in Angie’s list – only a vary satisfied customer

By: Buddy

Buddy — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:31:24 +0000

Great list. All of these steps are critical to success. In order to get the best “short list” for my bids, I go to the Angie’s List website. This has been invaluable for me for everything from an handyman to roofer. Well worth the cost of a subscription.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:40:19 +0000

My personal experience suggests that one should not rely on Google for this. My friends have suggested some contractors and they did nice work at friends’ places. So my rule is rely on a personal review than online review or contact.