What was your deciding factor when you hired your contractor?

Cost, timeline, seeing previous work.

I look for local contractors. Reputation and references are a must. Five years ago I needed a new roof. Homeowners Insurance was going to cover it. Did not tell the contractors. I got three estimates. First contractor had a sample board, literature, was a fast talker, and kind of pushy. Quote was just under $6,000. Second contractor had literature but presented himself as a handyman. Quote was $2,500. Third contractor had literature, explained the process, got on the roof and inspected it. Quote was under $4,000. I went with contractor #3. Both #1 and #3 had the same literature, same product, similar warranty. #3 treated me as a person, my roof as his. When he began the job, he also told me he was able to get a deal on better quality roofing material and showed me the paperwork to verify it. In my younger years, I would have done the job myself with a few buddies when I did that kind of work.

A man was working on a house just down from me and I went inside to see what he was doing. He does work on other houses she rents, so I felt it must be good work. It was and is! I've had him work for me twice since then. I did not check anything except the woman he worked for. She recommended him highly. I trust him enough that I'm not fearful when I leave the house with him and his assistant working. They just installed a new toilet, new counter top with sink and faucet set, and decorations to my dining room wall. Because he's done work for me before, I didn't even ask how much he would charge me because I know his price will be fair. Actually, when he presented the bill, I paid him $50 more because it really wasn't enough for the quality work he does.

Communication is so important to me. Its okay if you're running late, but give me a head's up. Its okay if something ends up being more work than you realized, just talk to me about it as soon as you realize.

References and cost. References most important.

i live in a small town, if the work is poor/ reputation is bad... and they are generally not in business long. I also believe in communication- if the order of " x" doesn't arrive and it's essential to the job, let me know asap. if it's something i can go get... i'll do it. if an emergency occurs and you need to deal with that...call me. i can reschedule.

licensed, bonded & insured, with a good reputation