Panic in the voice

I'm very grateful my husband can complete 95% of the remodeling jobs I come up with. After all, it is my job as the wife to keep our home looking fabulous and his job to make his princess happy.
I know how lucky I am and am reminded of it everytime the phone rings around here and I hear the desperation of the caller. Seems they have a rough edge already, sure they will be ripped off and not wanting anyone to think they are a chump. It is just terrifying finding a contractor to complete your remodeling or repairs that you can trust.

After all, don't we all hear the horror stories???

Luckily for us, we do not have a need to deal with folks that are razor sharp with fear. ALL of our business comes from repeat business and referral ONLY. It is the way business around here has always been done. We will bid jobs, for folks we know, but generally we find when a bid is being requested for financial reasons - we will not be the lowest cost. Although, I would stick my neck out and say my DH and his team are the best!

I don't need to stretch my neck too far - there are many folks that echo this. :-)

When you find yourself in the need of help on that project around your home, don't just go through the telephone book. Instead:

1. Call your family - maybe they have done business with someone or know someone who just had work done.
2. Call your friends and neighbors - remembering references are the best.
3. Utilize services that check these companies out - like your local chamber of commerce or a site like ServiceSpider.com.

Try to get a few company names. If a company name shows up in multiple spots, make sure they are on your call list. When you get the names, talk dollars! Make sure they are in your budget before you call them. Ask the prior customers about their service, timeliness, cleanliness.

And here is one that has held true forever - check out their truck, when you meet them. Is it organized, cleaned, maintained? A vehicle represents a lot about the contractor. You want to see the truck of the guy doing the work. Quality is priceless.

Last, but certainly not least, talk with the guy/gal and see how you click. This could become an issue if you need something changed or altered. Not all contractors will this be an issue. Of course, like any relationship you want to have a clear line of communication.