[masraum]

Milt's thread about not getting hired by 30 somethings reminded me that I had intended to post a query.

How do you find a good contractor for work? Privacy fence, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, carpentry, whatever...?

Based on what I know about Milt, I wouldn't hesitate to hire him for anything that he thought he could do if I could afford it.

I don't know how to find someone good. If you accept a really low bid, does that mean that they're going to do a crappy job? If you go for a $$$$ bid does that mean that you're getting a good job or just another crappy job but with the additional wallet reaming?

So, I guess the question is, how do I ferret out the Milts of this world and leave the slackers behind?

My wife watches "Flip This House" occasionally and sees the Flippers play hardball on price. That's another thing that I'm not sure about. I have this scenario in mind.

contractor: "Our job will cost $10k"
me: "I'm only willing to pay $6k"
contractor: "how about $8k"
me: "I'll pay $7k, or not have the work done"
contractor: "ok, I'll do it for $7k"
As the contractor thinks to himself, "I'll use the cheapest piece of crap materials that'll last 2 years and Labor from the local 7-11 parking lot and still make a mint."

I'm all for paying a fair price, but how the hell do you know.

Thanks for any insight/advice.