The Essential ContractorWritten by Brian L. Pruitt
The Essential Contractor By Brian L. Pruitt The Essential Contractor is defined as one who is reliable and honest, completing his job when promised at a fair and reasonable predetermined price and without question standing behind his workmanship. There are many contractors out there in world. However there are few and far between that are competent in several areas of workmanship. That in itself is not totally a bad thing. If you have one contractor that you use for everything it is obvious that he will take longer to complete your list of projects on your property. On other hand if you have a select few contractors that you utilize, you will have a more diversified contractor force, that in theory will complete tasks in a more time efficient manor. Constructing a list of essential contractors is vital to your success as a real estate investor. These contractors will not only perform a variety of repairs, but will give you bids on suggestive repairs allowing you to make wiser decisions when it comes to your current and future investments. Having a list of selective contractors will also allow you to keep your contractors in check with their bids. On your search for essential contractor you can either choose a general contractor, who will hire all sub-contractors that will be needed to complete your projects. Or you can decide to be general contractor yourself which can save yourself some money in overseeing of projects. If you have some basic understanding of remodeling and construction work this may be way to go. However, if you are too busy, or don't have a clue when it comes to rehabbing a home, then leave it to professionals. Your essential contractor can be found in many ways. You can let your fingers do walking through yellow pages. Watch for BIG ads, as they tend to be most expensive. Check classified ads in your local paper. Look for business cards at your local Lowe's or Home Depot. You may even be able to spot some essential contractors "to be", on job of another investor. Another great source is asking your local real estate investing club members. They can help you in many ways and possibly save you some of your hard earned profits. Once you have made a list of possible essential contractors you need to meet with them one on one. 1. Set a specific time to meet with them. See if they are punctual. 2. Ask how long they have been in business. Usually longer better. But don't rule out someone who has great talent and is now in a new career field due to layoffs in area. 3. Do they have references. Get addresses and phone numbers along with names. 4. Do they have their own truck and tools. If not beware.
| | Are You Walking the Talk?Written by Diane Hughes
I saw a television commercial other day. It actually made me laugh out loud. It wasn't funny "ha ha," it was funny ironic. A local telephone service provider was singing its own praises about what wonderful service it provided. "Yeah, sure!" I thought. I used to live in area that this particular provider covered, and I know for a fact their service is anything but wonderful.Many online business owners commit this same sin. They make a point to tell their visitors what exceptional service they'll receive, how quick they'll be responded to, how innovative their products are, or a hundred other promises. Then, when a complaint comes in, or phone messages are left, nothing happens. They don't walk talk. How many times has it happened to you personally? You ordered a product or service from 'Net. You had a problem or a simple question. You called customer service number (or sent an email) and. nothing. How did you feel? Most likely irritated, frustrated, and taken advantage of. Yes, it's extremely popular to give claims of customer service right now. The 'Net has suffered from "Wild, Wild West" syndrome far too long and surfers are demanding attention they deserve. However, simply making claims will do you more harm than good. Don't promise what you can't deliver. Before putting claims of any kind on your site, consider these tips: 1. If you say your product/service "will" do something, make darn sure it does... every time!
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