Do I need a contractor? How do I find one?

Lan13838797
by Lan13838797
replace paneling with sheetrock and paint, updating a huge brick fireplace, perhaps add a window to existing wall.

  3 answers
  • Jcraw Jcraw on Jun 15, 2018

    homeadvisor.com and Thumbtack..com both vet their contractors. You enter your needs/wants, preferably with some photos, and contractors respond. I know on simple plumbing jobs I’ve gotten immediate quote, but you have a big job.


    Angieslist.com is also free. They give you a list of contractors and you read real client reviews.


    Always get and follow up references. A quality contractor won’t care. And get several bids, no matter who referred them. Remember that the cheapest bid is not necessarily the best. Pick their brains about materials and suppliers.

  • Linda Linda on Jun 15, 2018

    Just a word of warning: Thumbtack does not verify license if needed for the trade advertised. Some of your projects can be done by a handy person. Adding a window, I would choose a licensed contractor. Good luck

  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jun 15, 2018

    If you are handy and can do sheetrock work, replacing the paneling is not a problem. Floating out sheetrock is a talent!!!


    However, you better know what you are doing to cut into an outside wall...it has to be braced before you cut into it and you have to know how to to put in a header and frame out a window. You don't want the ceiling to


    We had an existing window made larger top to bottom and it was interesting. No problem because the header was already in place.