Looking for great contractors in Fort Myers? There are a lot of options and it can be tough to know who to trust and who will get the work done according to your standards. Learn about what to watch out for and how to know you’ve found the right one in our latest post!
As an investor in Fort Myers, you will want to work with high-quality contractors who can get the job done right. They will need to be able to get things done quickly without breaking the bank. Once you’ve found the right contractor, make it a point to form a relationship with them. Let them know they will be getting all of your future business, which may equate to some cost-savings for you.
Recent References
When seeking excellent contractors in Fort Myers, it’s wise to request references from their past clients. Speaking directly to previous clients allows you to gain firsthand insights into the contractor’s quality of service, reliability, and professionalism. It is important to ask the contractor for a list of references, but don’t stop there. Aim to speak with a range of clients beyond just their three most satisfied ones, as this will provide a more comprehensive view of their performance. By doing so, you can avoid the bias that may come from only hearing from the contractor’s happiest customers, and instead, get a balanced understanding of their capabilities and work ethic.
Moreover, it is beneficial to seek out individuals who have recently worked with the contractor. This ensures that the feedback you receive is current and reflective of their recent work, rather than based on experiences from several years ago which might not accurately represent their present standards. While past clients may not divulge personal details, most will be willing to share their experiences if they had a positive relationship with the contractor. This approach not only helps in verifying the contractor’s qualifications but also builds your confidence in making an informed decision. By diligently checking references and seeking out diverse client experiences, you increase the likelihood of hiring a contractor who will meet your expectations and deliver quality results.
Positive Reviews
Check out review sites like Angie’s List and Home Advisor. Try to get an overall sense of what people think of their work. Do the reviews look like they were paid for or incentivized in some way or do they seem genuine? Also, you’ll want to watch out for disgruntled customers who leave critical reviews. While having several negative reviews is a red flag, these reviews can also be left by competition and disgruntled customers who are actually in the wrong themselves. Take each review with a grain of salt and look for patterns in what people are saying.
You can also look for reviews from people you know. Ask around. Your friends, coworkers, neighbors, and fellow investors might be able to put you in touch with the Fort Myers contractor that is right for you. Plus, getting a first-hand account of the work that was done, especially from someone you trust, can provide valuable insight you wouldn’t have been able to find in doing basic research on the company.
A Busy Schedule
A contractor with a packed schedule often signifies high demand, which usually points to their reputation for delivering quality work. This demand can stem from a combination of effective advertising and genuine customer satisfaction. While advertising can initially draw attention, it is the contractor’s performance that ensures ongoing business. Word-of-mouth recommendations and positive reviews play crucial roles in maintaining their busy schedules. Conversely, a contractor who fails to meet expectations will quickly find their calendar empty, as negative feedback spreads rapidly in today’s interconnected world. Thus, a consistently booked contractor likely signifies reliability and proficiency.
However, it’s essential to ensure that a busy contractor can still dedicate sufficient time and resources to your project. A balance is needed where the contractor is neither overwhelmed nor underutilized. An overbooked contractor may struggle to meet deadlines or compromise on the quality of their work, which can be detrimental to your project. Therefore, it’s important to discuss timelines and availability upfront to gauge whether they can accommodate your needs without sacrificing quality. The ideal situation is finding a contractor who is in high demand but also has the capacity to prioritize your project effectively, ensuring that you receive the best possible service.
Years In Business
Watch out for those fly by night contractors who will often lack the experience and professionalism you need when doing work to your Fort Myers investment property. A contractor who has been in business for a while will be more knowledgable than their rookie counterparts. While everyone needs to start somewhere, as an investor in Fort Myers real estate, you’ll need to partner with a contractor who really knows what they are doing. Nothing beats real-world experience. By working with someone with some experience under their belt, you will likely receive better service, higher-quality workmanship, and more accurate estimates. While there are very talented contractors who are just getting started, it’s not usually worth the risk to work with someone so green.
Attentiveness
When you call for a quote, do they get back to you right away? While you can’t expect an instant answer 24 hours a day, you should receive a call back within a reasonable amount of time. The contractor you choose to work with in Fort Myers should have excellent customer service and constant communication. They need to be on top of things, completing projects when they say they will. Someone who lets a phone call slip through the cracks will likely let other things fall through too. This isn’t a quality you want to find in your Fort Myers area contractor.
All in all, it’s important to do your homework on the contractors you choose to work with in Fort Myers. Make sure to read views, get references, and learn about past projects. If possible, work with someone who understands what you are doing, what you need to be done, and how to make things cost-effective. There are contractors who specialize in working with local investors who can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.