How do you find a good contractor?

It can be difficult finding a good contractor. In fact, it's generally really frustrating. So how do you do it? Well there are a handful of ways to go about it. One way would be to pick up the phone book and start dialing, but you don't really know what you're getting that way and you just have to hope for the best. Another way would be to go with a visible name - a company/contractor with a name you recognize - but it's hard to say whether or not that company is particularly good or if they're just good at marketing. However, it's probably a good bet to at least try out someone who seems to be working a lot around your area. An increasingly popular option is to go online for reviews and recommendations. This isn't a bad idea, but I think it's fair to say that the internet draws a pretty varied crowd and that review sites tend to lend themselves to people overjoyed with a product or really angry/disappointed. The other thing to consider is that craftsmen aren't always the most tech savy - a lot of them work with their hands and spend their time on jobsites rather than in front of a computer. That said, word of mouth or personal referals are the best way to go. Knowing someone who's worked with a friend or acquiantance is always the safest bet. But sometimes you don't know anyone with a solid referal. The next best thing is Contractor Hotline. Unlike Service Magic/Home Advisor or Angie's List, Contractor Hotline is very hands on and personal. Cari Barron runs Contractor Hotline, and being one of her contractors, I know she keeps a tight ship. She continuously audits her contractors and helps to facilitate relationships with customers. When I am slow to submit a bid, Cari is right their looking out for her customers and getting on my case. She also keeps records of everything to make sure the quality of work and quality of experience is up to snuff. Finally, she creates a positive experience for contractors which really carries over to every other aspect of any job. I know from experience that working with other services can be a pain, but working with Cari is a really positive thing and I know that she has our best interest in mind, never putting us into any sticky situation.

Contractor Hotline

Dependable, pre-screened professionals for all your household needs

Contractor Hotline is your personalized home services referral network of dependable, highly skilled home improvement professionals. Our network of  pre-screened professionals serves Snohomish and King Counties, encompassing communities in Seattle, Edmonds, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, and neighboring communities. From complete house renovations to small home repairs, we refer dependable and trustworthy contractors that we would invite into our own homes to perform services. Each contractor is carefully screened before joining our network. Ongoing credential audits and performance evaluations are conducted to ensure all contractors exceed high expectations of excellence.

Whether your home maintenance or remodeling needs are small or large, we can help save valuable time in the search for a qualified professional to achieve your next project. Contractor Hotline's industry expertise and unbiased referrals are provided free of charge. We're here to ensure home improvement goals are realized successfully, from concept to completion.