Skip to Content

Savvy Contractor Hiring: Tips and Warning Signs

Construction worker in safety gear jotting down notes on a document.Finding reliable contractors who can do quality work on time and within budget is challenging for many investors. It is important to be aware that certain people may try to take advantage of your confidence to steal from you. If you follow a few simple rules and adopt cautious approaches, you should have no trouble finding skilled, trustworthy contractors who can meet your needs.

Find Reliable Contractors

It’s highly recommended to seek out industry professionals with whom you can develop long-term business relationships, as this can significantly save you time and money. Finding these businesses isn’t rocket science, but it does need significant effort.
You could get some good advice from people you know who work in real estate, who own rental properties, or who manage rental properties. Looking up potential contractors online is another excellent option. Many websites offer expert advice or customer reviews to help you make good choices.

Ensuring Contractor Reliability

The polite and respectful way to ask contractors for references from past clients is essential. It is wise to question about the contractor’s availability, cost, speed, and reliability when you have their name.
Do they, for instance, stick to the agreed price? How did they adjust their strategy in response to what you said? If you have any questions about the solutions, it is best to continue searching for the right contractor who meets your expectations.

Verifying Licenses and Reviews

To ensure a safe and successful hiring process, it’s recommended to review a potential hire’s licenses and online reviews. Verify with the state licensing board and check the contractor’s name in the local court records. To prevent potential liability issues, avoid unlicensed contractors. If this person is surrounded by negative people, you should be cautious. You might want to think about exploring other options if you’re still having trouble contacting the contractor after 24 hours.

When dealing with contractors, you should exercise caution if you see any of the following red flags: exceptionally low prices, negative internet reviews, or substantial upfront deposits. Avoid contractors who make ambitious promises or require unlimited time and materials. Instead, seek someone practical and honest about project costs and completion timeframes.

Balancing Quality and Cost

It is smart to get quotes from all of the potential contractors you are thinking about for your investment property improvements and repairs. What follows is a breakdown of the total project cost as well as the contractor’s fee.
Taking further precautions may be necessary if obtaining the lowest price appears to be a prudent decision. If the price is much lower than normal, the contractor might not plan to get the necessary work permits or may add on additional fees later. Pay close attention to not paying the helper too much. The most practical approach is to choose a price range around the middle.
If you hire the best contractors for the job, your whole property management strategy will be effective and efficient.

When your time is valuable, contact Real Property Management Skyline. We have an extensive network in Murrysville and the neighboring regions. Call us at 412-770-1234 or contact us through our website.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details