How Do You Find a Dependable Contractor?

I'm about to test a local company next week for some custom French doors in my old house. The owner came out for final measurements and seemed genuinely interested in the job. Fingers crossed it goes well!

I totally agree that communication is essential; it's all about setting clear expectations. I’ve worked with many contractors over the years, and I make a point to really clarify what I want and give prompt feedback during the job. However, most referrals I get aren't reliable. A few of my family members don't give satisfactory recommendations, and that can make it tricky. It’s crucial to discuss details, stay on the same page, and have everything laid out in the contract. Take your time to evaluate them! It makes a huge difference in the long run.

I usually get quotes from several contractors and really focus on the conversation we have when they do the walk-through. Their communication styles tell me a lot. Although desperate times have led me to pick someone just because they were available.

From my experience, communication is really key when picking a contractor. I've only had a few projects, but the companies that were good at keeping in touch right from the start made a big difference. They might not reply instantly, but they were clear about what they could do. Just be cautious with bigger companies—like ABC plumbing in my area. They communicated well, but they pushed harder than I wanted for extras when all I needed was a simple electrical panel upgrade.

Most people go with Yelp or Google reviews for their searches, but local Facebook group recommendations and word-of-mouth are also popular. However, I'm looking for something a bit different; that's why I'm curious about hearing unique strategies from smart folks like you.