re: Why is the Home remodeling industry saturated with shady people?

To piggyback off of this thread, what's the best way to go about finding the reputable contractors worth the cost? Angie's List? Stout, help pls.

I got quoted for a home improvement project at 9k, I replied I wasn't spending more than 4k for said project and immediately received another Email saying they can do it for 4k with some "slight moderations". Got exactly what we wanted, but yea how many people just say ok to the 9k.

Like others have said if people are dumb enough to fall for it of course they are going to keep trying it.

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Stout, you seem to have a pretty solid finger on the pulse of the contractor business in SWLA. I am needing something that you may be able to make a recommendation about. Is there somewhere I could shoot you a question?

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I will try but just a warning I mostly work for banks these days on their foreclosed properties. Been a while since I dealt with the public or new construction.

I thought we were talking about people in the building trades in general, not just contractors. I know you've heard the stories of tools "walking off" of job sites and guys getting paid without finishing the work. I've never known of as many instances of theft and dishonest dealings in any other area of commerce.

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Local lumber yards will tell you if someone is worth a shite

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That's how I found my framer.

Just by luck, and he really saved the design.

This is a few suggestions. First, make sure the contractors you are dealing with are legit, insured, etc. Ask around about people before you hire them. Become a regular at a hardware store.. Its always good to get intel on what contractors owe a lot of money or who caused homeowners to have liens on their home, etc. Go visit the parish's building inspection department.. You can always find out who is trustworthy, who are the type to try to always get over on shite, who you have to watch out for when it comes to meeting code, etc.

Plumbing, IMO I think Roto Rooter is the best way to go. They have a name to protect & the only problem I ever had was with one of the guys who was sent to me.. He gave me his personal cell and was trying to hustle business under the table.. Telling me that next time I have a problem I don't have to call the office, just call him and he could come out for cheaper than if I would call the office, but about 6 months later he no longer worked there and was trying to round up business for himself..

Become a regular at your hardware store, get to know the parish building inspector.. and people who work in office. Between those two sources you can find out what contractors owe lots of money, who has caused homeowners to have a lien on their homes, who tries to avoid getting permits (they are usually trying to hide something) or what contractors you have to watch out for in terms of cutting corners, etc. The best are the ones who stay busy and hard to get.. Or you at least have to wait, but since people want to get shite done yesterday they often get caught up in who can do it for them now.

Ive also found that the reason a lot of people become painters, does flooring, dry wall, etc is because they can make a living without taking a drug test. You also want to find out who the better contractors sub out.. If they trust someone then chances are they are okay to deal with.. I know a guy who builds rental duplexes. Whoever he uses, you can bank on it they will be the cheapest people who are dependable.. but thats as for as it goes. There are a lot of shady people out there.. A lot.. you just have to stay up with people, etc.