Dealing with Naples Contractors

If you’re considering building a new home in Naples or remodeling your existing home, you should understand the pitfalls and make sure you choose the right company for the job. It can be very tempting to choose the cheapest contractor but there is usually a reason for the discount. Having built homes myself for over ten years in Tennessee, I learned a lot about hiring subcontractors and the disputes that can arise when they fail to perform as advertised.

1. The cheapest guys will require a babysitter. This means you have to oversee their work constantly or provide someone to do so.  The subs whose prices are moderate and maintain a busy schedule are usually better and can supervise themselves. If you are not truly qualified to oversee the work they’re doing, don’t attempt it. An amateur dictating to the subcontractor will send many of them packing mid-job. And if you paid them anything prior to the job , you’ve really screwed up.
2. Don’t ever pay before the work begins. Many workers will ask for money upfront for materials. These are the cheapest guys in town and they truly aren’t in business. If they don’t have a written contract and can’t provide at least enough materials to begin, trouble awaits. As soon as you give them money, you won’t be able to reach them on the phone.
3. Get a written contract. Crooks don’t like to sign contracts.
4. Don’t expect too much. You get what you pay for. If you think you’ve found the builder that can do produce the same result as the as the expensive guy for much less money, you’re dreaming.
5. Always get references. Of course, the contractor is going to give you his happiest customers but many have none to give.

There are many good contractors out there and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction. If you’re shopping for your New Naples Home or just looking to update an older property, contact us for help.