fliprent

Good subcontractors are happy to give you the names of other contractors.  It’s a great way for them to get referrals.  If you find one that you can trust, he usually knows of others that he likes to work with.  Just today, my plumber gave me another framer and concrete guy that he often does work for.  Contractors run in the same circles and prefer working with someone they have experience with.  Flipping or rehabbing houses requires that plumbers, heating contractors and electricians communicate. Things like trunk lines, ductwork, and pathways need to be planned especially without a architectural diagram.  It can make your job a lot easier just finding one good contractor that will give you the names of others.If you’ve established a relationship with a subcontractor, you can often get the inside scoop about the others as well.  Things like who’s having financial difficulties, dissolving partnerships, going through a divorce, kids in college, a bad drinking habit, and the list goes on.  All of these little things will make a difference on the job that he/she will do for you.  In most cases, I only need to ask a simple question  “What’s his deal?”.  Before you know it, you’ve got the guys life history.  This information is valuable when it comes to negotiating a contract as well.  If you know the guy is trustworthy but needs work, you are in a good position to get a decent price.  Be careful not to go too low.  Even the most honorable person will resort to drastic measures to pay the bills.  If the situation is really bad stay far away no matter how good he is.

My plumber mentioned a contractor that he likes to work with.  He has known this friend for 13 years and raves about his work.  I went to see one if his jobs and the work looks very good.  However, this contractor is in serious financial trouble do to a bad partnership.  It appears that his ex-partner was taking jobs on the side and using his license.  He would take down payments and never show up to start the job.  He was also stiffing subcontractors by firing them or cancelling checks before final payment.  Although this was not his friends doing, he is still left holding the bag.  In my opinion it is not worth the risk to do business with him. He owes over 50k to various contractors and customers that his partner stiffed.  He is being foreclosed on to top it off.  Do your own investigations whenever possible.  It could save you money.