Since the majority of the posters here seem to be contractors I was hoping someone could enlighten me on how to find your counterparts in my area. I’m looking for all kinds of contractors and I was hoping there was a website or publication other than the Yellow Pages that could help me source good people.
I’m in Massachusetts and I am looking for a good insulation company and someone who restores old windows right now.
Replies
You'll get plenty of responses from this crowd fer sure but...ya might want to consider posting your inquiry under the "help wanted work wanted" section of this Forum also?
I'd be a 'little' wary of websites and yellows; please, no offence intended, if you are new to the hood how aboout the welcome wagon.
Church, chamber of commerce, building department, friends and neighbors who have had favorable experiences are the best reference.
Good luck,
Eric
If you want to use the yellow pages, try to find a copy from about 10-15 years ago. Compare with the current book. A contractor who's still in business under the same name is usually a better bet than one who hasn't been around that long.
Once you find a good contractor who's been in business a while, pick his brains about guys in other trades. For instance, a plumber or electrician who does repairs on old houses is very likely to know a good plasterer to come in after him and patch up the holes.
-- J.S.
Qualified word of mouth referrals are your best bet. That should come from someone you trust while knowing what they're talking about. I work only on referral and am busy most of the time. It has taken me over thirty years to build my business to where it is today. Be wary of the "my brother in law" does that..........or the "my neighbor had a roof done by"...........
Good local lumberyards will be able to refer, they know who pays their bills and might have a good handle on quality of work. Inspection knows who's licensed or registered, who passes inspection, and perhaps quality of work.
We've got some regular posters here from Mass, some of which have shown their work. I think most of us would recommend you at least talk to them, then ask for their references. Whether they're close to you I don't know.
Most people are cost conscious. Are you?........at the expense of quality? On occasion you will get a good price along with quality work. Usually the quality costs a bit more. Your decision on how much more.
I wish you luck, there's a good number of people you will be happy with. Finding them is what needs a bit of work. Remember too, a fancy wrapper sometimes hides an empty box.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
I'm thinking call some coustom window wholesalers about some recognized installers in your area , they will probably want him to make your order same day...
Scribe once, cut once!