Disclosure: This post is sponsored by HomeAdvisor. However, all opinions and contractor nightmares are 100% mine.
If you have ever done a renovation, I think you will agree it is one of the most stressful things you will ever take on in your life. They are stressful, time consuming, messy and dirty. If you can make it through a renovation with your spouse, then chances are you must really love each other.
Needless to say, the renovation at the 70’s Landing Pad was no walk in the park – not by a long shot.
There were many things we were able to take on ourselves. We installed a good portion of our flooring, did the hall bathroom remodel, of course we painted every wall, door and piece of trim, built a closet, painted the cabinets, etc. But then there were a few things we didn’t do ourselves – primarily drywall work and the master bathroom remodel. You know how much I despise drywall work, so I won’t go down that road again, but let’s talk about our master bathroom.
When we bought the house, the master bathroom did not have a shower – only a jetted tub you had to climb to get into. The whole thing was just configured really oddly and it was not functional for us at all.
We wanted to get rid of that tub and replace it with a tiled shower, add a soaking tub elsewhere in the room, relocate the toilet, the doors, the vanity and a few other small things. All of that – specifically moving the plumbing, wiring, etc. was waaaaay outta our league. We knew we would have to hire someone to remodel the master bathroom. Since we hadn’t ran into this at the Beloved Foreclosure, almost everything there we had been able to do ourselves, we asked around for contractors that our friends had used.
I called probably around 10 different contractors that came recommended by friends and their sources. I think I got calls back from maybe five of them and only four actually came out to look at the bathroom and then three only followed up with me on a price. One of those three only followed up with me on a price because I pestered the heck out of him. I just didn’t get it. If these people took the time to come out and look at it, then why in the world wouldn’t they call back with an estimate?! Was it a huge job? No. Was it a small job? No. This was a pretty good sized job that I thought someone would be interested in taking on.
So when one of the contractors called me back with a price the next morning after he had been out that previous afternoon and it was a good price and he had came recommended by a friend, I figured he was my guy.
We made the deal on December the 3rd. He said it would take roughly seven days to complete the job. Per the contract, he got a 1/4 of the payment up front, 1/4 of it when demo was done, 1/4 of it when tiling was complete and the rest when it was all finished.
I scrambled around to make sure everything was here and ready for him to start as soon as he had finished demo. I picked out tile and fixtures and all that other stuff as quickly as I could. It was all here and ready to go.
At the end of December, the bathroom looked like this:
Ok, I thought, it’s December. It’s the holidays, people like to spend time with their families. He’ll get going after the new year.
Wrong.
This guy might come three days a week and work for 2-3 hours, four hours if I was lucky, when he was here. Now, we did ask him to do some other stuff around the house, but still he only worked for a couple hours a day, maybe a few days a week and never completed one single thing we asked him to do. He would start something, then move to something else. Mind you, he had already been paid for some of the work as well.
This dragged on until the beginning of March. March, people! We had signed a contract at the beginning of December and he said he would be done in less than two weeks!
And do you know what my bathroom looked like at the beginning of March?
Exactly the same as that picture above with the exception of the toilet out and a few pieces of subfloor up and a little bit of drywall pulled off. None of the actual plumbing, electrical, not to mention tiling, etc. had taken place. At that point, we gave him a deadline (which, yes, we should have done long before) and said he had two weeks to finish everything or he was done. When we told him this, he decided he would work the following weekend. He came that Saturday, stayed for less than an hour and left. We fired him the same day.
For someone who feels bad if she misses a deadline by 10 minutes and is constantly on the go doing something which is usually work related, this whole situation was just unbelievable to me.
At that point, I turned to Bruce who I had found through HomeAdvisor to do some other work for me. He is the one who covered up and made new openings in the old master closet for the Circus’ playroom and also did lots of other drywall work for me around here. I told him the situation, asked if he wanted the job and if he could get me a price together. A day later he gave me the price and worked me into his schedule. (I was on a deadline because my master bedroom makeover with FrogTape had to be completed by the third week in April and I didn’t even have carpet in there yet because it couldn’t go in until the bathroom was finished.)
Within days, he and his helper had the rest of the walls out and backer board installed and ready for tile.
Two weeks later, he had the bathroom finished sans paint and trim, which we did to save a little money (or will do because I haven’t had a chance to finish it yet, thus why you haven’t seen the bathroom reveal yet). Had I went through HomeAdvisor and found Bruce first, this whole fiasco never would have happened.
From all that, I learned quite a bit and here’s my take on finding a good contractor to actually get the job done:
How to Find the Best Contractor for Your Renovation
• Get multiple quotes.
I used to work with a guy who I called Stan-the-Man. Stan-the-Man is a plethora of wisdom. Among other things, he told me “If it’s a $500 or less job, get three quotes. If it’s more than that, get five at least.” I think that’s pretty good advice when it comes to remodeling. You can use tools like HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide to find out the median price for home renovation and repair costs in your area. And also, if you have to pester a contractor to call you back with an estimate, he ain’t your guy. Call some others to come out. If you don’t have to be in a rush, then don’t be.
• Get references. Read their reviews. Ask to see photos of their work.
Yes, you should ask around to find out who your friends or family members have used, but don’t just trust that one reference. Use HomeAdvisor to find a local pro in your area and read their reviews from their customers. I’ve found most of the reviews to be a true reflection of the quality and dependability of the contractor. Ask them for references and ask to see photos of their work. Never be afraid to ask. You could even do all this over the phone before you have them come out to give you an estimate.
• Just because it’s the lowest estimate doesn’t mean you should go with it.
If you do use the True Cost Guide and someone comes in waaaaay under the median price, then there’s a good chance they won’t provide you with quality work or they may be desperate for money. Look more for bids right in the middle.
• If the contractor is busy or booked up for a month, that probably means they are pretty good.
My dad once took my brother and I around the entire state of Texas for vacation one year. (Yes, this does relate, just stick with me.) We had never been to Texas before so we had no idea what places were good to eat at and what wasn’t. So my dad said, “Look for the crowded places – that means they’re good.” Well just like with crowded restaurants being good, a busy contractor probably does quality work. It will most likely be worth your time to wait on them.
• Do not pay any money up front.
I still kick myself for ever paying that guy any money up front. I didn’t feel comfortable doing it, but I also hadn’t really worked with a contractor before so I thought that just might be how it was and I went with it. That being said, I do think that some contractors may ask for some money up front for materials if that is worked into their estimate. Once more, this is where you need to read their reviews and get references to know whether they are really going to use that money for materials or not. If you can, tell them to give you a list of what they need and you can go buy it. If you can’t transport it, most home improvement stores will deliver it for you for a fee. That fee might very well be worth it.
• Determine a payment schedule.
Once you pick your contractor, be sure to come up with a clear payment schedule. With Bruce, he doesn’t want any money until the job is done. Other contractors may not always be the same way though. I would say that if they are asking for a large portion of the payment up front, then they might be too shady for you.
• Get it in writing.
I do think that having your agreement written out with your contractor and signed is a good idea. Make sure it includes the payment schedule, the details of the project, estimated start and finish dates, proof of their insurance, and any materials you are responsible for purchasing for the job. For example, Bruce, our bathroom savior, included all the basic building materials in his quote – drywall, backer board, electrical wiring, etc. However, we were responsible for getting the tile, sinks, faucets, etc. which of course we already had on hand.
• Check up on them during the work.
If you’re living in the house where work is being completed this doesn’t really apply to you, but if you’re not, it does. Stop by the workplace at least 2-4 times a week. You don’t want to be in their way, but you do want them to know you’re around and keeping an eye on the work they are doing.
• If they did good work, recommend them. Give honest reviews.
After the job is done, give an honest review of the contractor’s work on HomeAdvisor. This will help others during their contractor hunt process and most likely, your contractor will see it and be grateful for the review – if they were good that is.
Do you have any other tips to add for finding the best contractor for a renovation? Or perhaps horror stories to help me feel a little better about mine? 😉
You might want to see this too…
Three Things That Could Cut Your Electric Bill In Half
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by HomeAdvisor, however all opinions and contractor nightmares are 100% mine.
Michele says
We had the same thing happen to us. We got our kitchen cabinets through a local discount home supply store. They recommended this guy to install them. We agreed and he started to work. He seemed like he really knew what he was doing so we asked him to do more than just install the cabinets – install recessed lighting in the kitchen, lay flooring, and install a large new window in the kitchen. He asked for the money for window which we gave him. After all, we had picked out the window together by looking at a design book he brought to us. Week after week after week went by and no window. Just plywood covering the space. Finally he stopped showing up altogether. My husband was so tempted to find out where he lived – I was afraid I would lose more money bailing him out of jail! Why do people do that? He was good at the things he finished!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh my goodness, Michele! I just do not get how some people can be so dishonest! It drives me crazy. I hate that happened to you! Here’s hoping for better luck the next time!
Tonia Larson says
These are such great tips! My mom and dad are currently looking for someone to do work on their roof and to build a deck. Thanks!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Glad it’s helpful, Tonia! Those are pretty big jobs – hope they find someone great!
Patty says
Very good advice Jenna. That was a hard lesson learned, but you found a good contractor and if you ever have need of one again you will know who to call. I have heard so many nightmare stories about contractor and the shoddy work they do to taking the money before the work is completed, then leaving town.
My first husband was a contractor and if he could not do the work himself then he knew who to call, so I never had any problems.
My brother-in-law is a master plummer and has his own business in Las Vegas and he is on Angie’s list. I know it took him about six months to get on there, so I feel like if a contractor can get on there they probably are good and reliable and have a good reputation, so I really do recommend to anyone trying to find any contractor or tradesman to go to Angie’s list.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Exactly, Patty – at least we have someone we know who is reliable now that we can call!
Brigitte says
Ugh, I hate when people say they’re going to do something and then don’t do it! I’m keeping your tips in mind, we’ll be hiring a contractor in the next few months to redo our bathroom. I have absolutely NO idea how to go about that, but now I have a starting point!
Funny aside….we pick out restaurants the same way, LOL!
B
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
hahaha! Totally the best way to pick out restaurants! 🙂 Good luck with your contractor hunt!
jeannee Taylor says
I thought that I was the only one that had contractors come out to spec a job and never come back with the estimate! I always thought that I had said something wrong or seemed too OCD ! I’m sorry you had a rough time but It’s good to know that I am not the only one that scares contractors off!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh no honey, it is not you!! Someone just didn’t teach them good manners and how to be a decent, reliable person! haha!
Amy Anderson says
This is insane. I’ve heard horrible stories like this – but I know what to do to avoid it, thanks to you!! :0
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Glad I could help ya out a little, Amy!
Pam S says
***For someone who feels bad if she misses a deadline by 10 minutes and is constantly on the go doing something which is usually work related, this whole situation was just unbelievable to me.***
Same here! My personal take on contractors? They are (for relevance here) men who would rather call themselves contractors than tell you they are, for the most part, a highly unskilled alcoholic with unbelievably uneducated conscience. The best you got out of the first ten was horrid…and that was the best! Any reno in my house will be what hubby & I can do. If I require more, we’ll move. Sorry you had to experience that!! But awfully happy to know you have Bruce 🙂 He’s prob’ly 1 in 1500?
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
You’re definition is hilarious, Pam! And yep, Bruce is wonderful!!
Suzanne Melton says
Your story makes me feel very lucky! Dave’s built houses for five years and was an elevator constructor for ten years after that.
The only professionals we’ve had to hire were for new gutters and then a new furnace and heat pump.
Your comments about waiting and waiting and waiting did remind me of something: we have two rooms left to remodel in the house: Dave’s office (next) and the living room (last).
In order to start on his office, he has to rearrange the garage so that he can move all the construction tools from the living room to the garage so he can move all the stuff from his office to the living room so he can start remodeling his office.
BUT INSTEAD, he’s installing LEDs in the back of the cube van (in case we want to play cards back there at night?) and a garage-door opener for the cube van door.
I think he’s a little “stuck.”
On the other hand, I’m creating spreadsheet timelines for all our medical details from 2013 to date…instead of cutting the fabric for the slipper chair I’m in the middle of upholstering.
I feel your pain…but at least I’m not paying Dave.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
haha! Oh Suzanne, you are so funny! Sometimes we can be masters of putting stuff off, right?! I’m kind of in that mode right now with all the little things we still have to do at the new place. It’s an accomplishment just to move in!
DarleneMAM says
Don’t feel so bad. You learned. Years ago, I took a $7,000 loss/hit/screwed by contractor before I learned NEVER to pay up front for ANYTHING.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh man, Darlene, I can’t even imagine. We didn’t take that big of a loss. You live you learn.
Cindy says
What DarleneMAM said. I didn’t pay up front, but almost… We needed a roof on our front porch. Not a huge deal, just a roof (no walls, just support posts) that would have to tie in with the existing roof. I hired a friend’s brother. Another mistake. Anyhoo, for about 3 days, the team worked furiously and made real headway. Then one of the workers found and ate all my “special” brownies (Yes, that kind ~ this was 25 years ago, back in the day). Two days after that the contractor asked if I could go ahead and pay all but $1000. He was going thru a financial crisis and wanted to pay his workers. Hmmm. Okay. That was the last I saw of him. The framework for the porch was up, and tied into the roof, but that was it. I called. No answer. I called. And called. Finally someone answered. His wife said he was sick. He must have died, because I still never heard back from him personally. I started calling all the workers, whom I knew fairly well. Finally one felt bad enough for me that he agreed to come out and put shingles on the plywood. For free. Yeah, better be free. He used wayyyyyy too long nails that stuck down a good inch below, but hey, I had a roof! (I clipped a few off, but gave up after a while.) It leaked like a sieve until the day I moved away. It might still. I don’t care. 😀 Maybe DarleneMAM used the same contractor?? NEVER pay up front. NEVER.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh my lord, Cindy! What a pain. It always baffles me even more when it’s someone like a friend’s brother that you mentioned!! I would feel terrible if I let a friend of a friend down!! And your magic brownies – hahahaha!! Darn him for eating those!
Heather Luckhurst says
Oh yeah – we’ve had contractor dramas in the past too!! Great tips!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Such a pain!! Glad we’re done with that!
Olivia Nelson says
I appreciate your tip on developing a payment schedule with a contractor before you begin business with them. I would imagine that getting a reliable pay schedule would be important when planning your remodel. My husband and I are looking for a contractor to help with home remodel so we’ll be sure to set out a payment schedule with them when we find one.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Hi Olivia! I’m glad that was helpful to you! Best of luck with your remodel!
Kourtney Jensen says
My husband and I are going to be helping my parents in renovating their home so I liked the tips you gave on finding a good contractor. Looking online at reviews as well as asking your friends and family for people they have worked with can help you find a reliable company. We will be sure to ask around so that they can have the home they’ve always wanted.
Ashley Turns says
My husband and I are planning a kitchen renovation, so we are wondering how to find the best contractor to help us through the process. So I appreciate your suggestion to ask the company for some references and photos of their past projects. We will definitely have to ask each kitchen renovation contractor we consider for references to make sure they provide quality work.