Chicagoist: Ask Chicagoist: How Do I Find a Good Contractor?

dopplerd

Thu, 29 May 2008 15:55:23 -0600

Yelp.com also has some thoughtful reviews of various contractors. Plus you can find a good place to eat out during the time your kitchen remodeling contractor is not returning your calls! The advice about getting permits is good but don't expect the inspector to actually do anything. Also, it might be worth the money to hire a certified home inspector (the kind you hire when you buy a place) to come look at the work being performed and offer a third party opinion on the quality of the work. While not cheap they should provide more insight that the city's inspector.

Crackalack

Thu, 29 May 2008 14:16:13 -0600

I know Baird & Warner has a "home services" directory for certified vendors (http://homeservices.bairdwarner.com/) People can post feedback and I think they monitor the companies pretty closely, plus it's free to use.

Spook

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:40:33 -0600

Call Alderman Banks and ask him to recommend some body, wink wink

Dig

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:25:37 -0600

I hate that Angie's List is a subscription site. I have had many consultations with contractors about home remodelling and have yet to chose one for the tasks at hand, but I've learned so much about speaking with them. They are a breed unto themselves. I'd say get personally acquainted with building codes relevant to the projects. Be very skeptical of contractors who won't get building permits or give you an excessive amount of grumbling. Building codes can absolutely be arbitrary, but when it comes to selling the house or having more extensive work done, you will need and want to have permits on hand. From the contractor's point of view the hundred or so you spend to get things done on the up & up will be all the less for themselves. It also ensures a village inspector will look at the work in addition to your untrained eyes. Also, in the case of multi-faceted jobs (like plumbing w/ carpentry w/ electricity), have everyone on a contractors team come speak to you at the same time. Pay attention to the promptness and responsiveness. This absolutely is an insight into the level of professionalism you will be dealing with if they are hired. Again, do as much research on your own as possible so you can somewhat speak the same language.