How to Vet Subcontractors

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Need to hire a subcontractor? Here's a few hints to make your experience more successful!
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Опубликовано:

10 май 2024

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Комментарии : 172

@seamustheterrible3978 11 дней назад

Here’s a method that’s worked well for me. Example: when looking for a concrete sub, I called several local ready mix companies and told them “I’m an owner / builder and I’m looking for a good concrete sub. One that’s busy and always pays your invoices on time. I also let them know if the sub pans out, I’ll purchase the material from them. I always get a few qualified names. After that, it’s about placing a call and seeing who wants your business - with whom you have good “chemistry”.

@locke3141 10 дней назад

I worked for a permit office. We couldn’t give references legally, but it’s public information who has had official written violations. So I could say “I can’t recommend for or against this company, but I can say we’ve never cited them for willful violations in the past. Id often also tell people that if a contractor was willing to cut corners on basic admin tasks like getting a permit, what other tasks might they be cutting on. But my number one recommendation was always to hire the contractor you enjoy working with, all other things being equal and above board. A good relationship goes pretty far in this business.

@jonanderson5137 11 дней назад

Hiring a client takes some vetting too. Some just aren't worth it.

@aerialrescuesolutions3277 11 дней назад

WEll said.

@twestgard2 11 дней назад

That’s an excellent video idea: how to be the customer who gets the best work out of their contractors. Being an effective advocate for the work in your home means using specific approaches and not using others.

@psidvicious 10 дней назад

Very true. There’s probably almost as many homeowner scammers as there are contractor scammers. Establish a relationship with a good attorney.

@harv6803 9 дней назад

One of the hardest obstacles to deal with in any jobsite is personality. Whether it be contractors, or homeowners.

@psidvicious 8 дней назад

@@harv6803 That’s right but I remember a subcontractor I used frequently that I personally never liked or got along with. At the same time, I knew they were the best sub for particular jobs. I also knew that letting personal conflicts get in the way of a job getting done was not smart business, so I used them anyway. As long as they weren’t offending the customer as well is all that really mattered.

@Dubjaxfilms 11 дней назад

You should do a video on how subcontractors should vet main contractors

@twestgard2 11 дней назад

Oh god yes

@dansmitham2437 10 дней назад

If they say "give me a deal on this one and I'll make sure you never have to look for work again"

@Dubjaxfilms 10 дней назад

@@dansmitham2437 That's a red flad right there

@aesoundforge Час назад

I used to work as a sub for large contractors. I stopped 15 years ago. I only work directly for the property owner now...

@socaloutdoors7355 8 дней назад

Worked for a guy who did Floors…required 40% up front or told the client to go kick rocks. His reputation spoke for itself. Clients will burn the sh*t out you if you’re not careful. Unfortunately, clients in this day & age are probably more problematic than subs out there..always trying to be cheap or get something for nothing. As someone mentioned, region is a big factor

@dalesephton5100 2 дня назад

Agreed, I take 75% upfront but I have built up my reputation over the past 25 years.

@michiganporter 12 дней назад

It's difficult to get started as a sub but what I've found is that as long as you do good work it speaks for itself and people will talk. If you want to get big you gotta bust your butt and learn how to schedule and learn how to tell people no. It's a two way street and hard work wins the day.

@kirkyorg7654 11 дней назад

You are a 100 % right, honesty, hard work, and a good solid job with a happy customer when finished always went a long way for me when I was working for myself, Word of mouth is a great salesman at the end of the day, I got many jobs from friends and neighbors of happy customers

@prdoohan 11 дней назад

Absolutely, it's a big red flag when a guy starts telling me how good he is. If he shows me examples of his work and let's it speak for itself, I'm more likely to be feeling confident.

@Paul_JZ 11 дней назад

Spot on. Many moons ago, when I started a small residential interior trim company, it wasn't long before most of my future (or next) projects came from builders who called me because their painting contractor recommended me. Painters loved my company because our efforts cut their typical prep time in half.

@PhillTheGreat 5 дней назад

Its a very GOOD idea to vet the General Contractors as well. Some are terrible GCs and should not practice. Some operate without Sub-Contracts or unable to properly provide a schedule to the owner or to Subs. If the general says, "I need you to start now", means he missed the scope or is behind. if in the initial meeting he/she says, I'll need you later down the road, means he has no idea when or does not know how to schedule. If the general says, "we pay, 30 to 45 days after you invoice" RUN!!!!!!

@atienne_navarre 11 дней назад

BEST WAY TO VET IF YOU HAVE DOUBTS: IN ADDITION TO THE REGULAR , license, insurance checks. I tell people to go to Home Depot or Lowes and ask the staff to type in the contactors phone number. BAD contractors OFTEN screw up a job, steal your money, or worse and then when you complain, they declair bankruptcy and start a NEW COMPANY in a few days. Some even lein your house under the old name. The one thing they rarely change is the phone number. If the phone number shows multiple company names, RUN DONT WALK away from that contractor. AS FOR THE VEHICLE - If they pull up in a brand spankin new shiny truck, with nary a scratch, how are they usung it for work? On the other hand, if the truck can barely make it up the driveway, smokes and belches, how much attention to detail do you think they really have? FInally, POT and ALCOHOL smells are a NONO. Do you really want a guy who shows up at ten AM smelling of last nights binge, working on your house?

@dianesmith8183 11 дней назад

Those were red flags with sirens. Retired contractor after 28yrs....satisfied customers will brag about your work, no need to advertise. Work with other subs, try getting in with a general contractor, even if it's small jobs his regular guy can't do. Much respect Scott❤

@DennisHochstetler 11 дней назад

If you're just starting, you don't have enough of a customer base to go by word of mouth.

@somecooney5304 11 дней назад

Here's another free hint: The best contractors are too busy to entertain your project. When I considered a job, the value of the job was always weighed against what else I'd be doing if I wasn't working for you. Imo, that drives up the cost of smaller projects in a way that clients might not appreciate or understand. There's no work Then there's a bit of work, and you're super grateful for it. Then there's a ton of work, and you start to get picky Then there's endless work, and you start day dreaming about the days when there was no work Then you quit :)

@slicktype001 11 дней назад

All due respect, I highly disagree with the red flag on contractors that request a deposit to hold dates. Most reputable contractors I have worked with over the decades have ALL required a deposit before doing any work. I have had numerous conversations with them over the years and the reason why they do this is to essentially hold the client accountable of their time, commitment and to make sure the client won’t stiff them when the progress payments starts to kick in (larger projects). This makes perfect sense to me, but I know this is a highly debate subject. With that said, take everything said in this video and make your own judgment on the contractor you’re hiring or looking to hire. If possible, ask friends, colleagues or family members if they have any contractors they have worked with and had great success. Direct referrals are by far the best way to go!!!

@therandomweberlife5855 11 дней назад

As an electrical contractor that is a 1 man show, I 100% agree with you. I don’t have time and can’t afford to work for free. I have a wife and kids to feed, and we’re single income.

@slowfinger2 11 дней назад

Always bring that up to a client. The response indicates if the customer trusts you, or will delay payment, or nickel and dime you to death. One red flag that is instant, is if the client is a teacher. They are the most difficult, nit-picking, and cheap skate problem clients, bar none. I worked around future start dates by requiring a deposit the day I start the work, or the tools don't come out of the truck. This is written down and signed by both parties.

@keithsoban6961 11 дней назад

Lawyers charge a retainer. I call a payment due at signing, a Retainer. It signifies that , yes, we are now in a contract relationship. Different than a verbal request for money up front. Way different.

@twestgard2 11 дней назад

That one stood out as iffy to me too. What I think is fair is that the payment should come with a written commitment. Are you asking the homeowner to write a check in exchange for a vague hope? Or are you offering something tangible in return? Sometimes you just have to tell the potential customer that you’re swamped and there’s nothing you can commit to right now.

@SenselessUsername 9 дней назад

Conversely, 3:48 "not having the slightest care about the parts of the job that you think is the most challenging" I'd not call a green flag! That's exactly what an incompetent would do, shortly before leaving your site with a giant expensive and time-consuming mess. [Just before that, having the sub claim their method is right and the rest are incompetent and you should change your plan towards theirs --- can be green flag, or can be "I only have a hammer so everything is a nail".]

@danielmarquardt4341 11 дней назад

I'm losing interest in clients fast if they're not signing relatively quickly and leaving me a 30% deposit. No shortage of clients out there, just as clients should vet contractors, contractors need to vet clients as the relationship is a two way street and can easily end in disaster. You should make a video about vetting clients and client red flags

@branchandfoundry560 11 дней назад

Agreed. I forget the name, but there is a sort of "Reverse Angie's List" where contractors list 'Black Flag' problematic customers. I had a paid subscription to this service maybe 10yrs years ago. It definitely had value.

@eliolsson1731 6 дней назад

Agree, people are too hesitant nowadays to sign and I won’t start their job unless I know they are fully committed to a contract and a set of drawings, it’s a simple process.

@Casmige День назад

No deposits unless it’s held by a Independant 3rd. Party fiduciary. Fuck you & your fly-by-night Bullshite “deposit”. Nothing accepted unless a contract is detailed, signed, AND notorised with a clearly stipulated completion date AND a % based fee deduction for each day thereafter the completion date. Oh, & NO final payment without Independant 3rd. Party review & inspection. 3 angles of 3 different GoPro filming of each day & stage of work as well. MINIMUM🤬 No?, well then you-all are just: G³MC-LiTOM’s certified. Greedy Gordon Gekko Maniacal Crapitalist - Legends in Their Own Minds.

@jakes.5591 11 дней назад

Not asking for some kinda deposit for a job over 2k is foolish. This is how you sort between serious customers and people that are always going to pay you "next week."

@branchandfoundry560 11 дней назад

Written, notarized contract solves this issue. If they say that seems silly or unnecessary, there's your cue to walk away.

@jakes.5591 11 дней назад

@@branchandfoundry560 that's funny, people who sign things always pay there bill 😂

@luckydogx2 9 дней назад

Some very good advice, as usual. I've been in business most of my life, and here's the other side of the coin: If you are in business, one of the most important things to learn is how to vet customers. People will fake financial responsibility to get you to take a job, and then try to sink you with claims. Watch for signs of past vendors or businesses that they have screwed. It's like going on a first date with someone who spends all of their time trying to convince you that they are not a wh#re. Probably they are what they are trying to convince you that they are not. In business, nothing feels better than firing a problem customer. On big contracts, have a trusted lawyer look things over. Ask questions, then take time to listen carefully to the answers. Do not be afraid to say no. Not all money is good money.

@jacobmiller5834 5 дней назад

How to vett customers is a more important task.

@andrewalaska 9 дней назад

All excellent advice. And something I frequently remind homeowners and newer contractors. Don't forget the first 8 letters of the word CONTRACTor!!

@kellylynch5113 10 дней назад

I run a hardwood floor company and we do ask for a down payment, however it is a material heavy industry, we sign a contract, give a partial lien waiver and will provide good references at the drop of a hat. A couple of those red flags are a little more warning sign that tell you that you have to take a look for green flags as well, although I agree with most of them. If you have some dude who wants a huge deposit right off the bat with no written contract THAT is a huge red flag for sure though

@travisio 11 дней назад

As someone considering starting a business, this is a great list of what to do and what not to do

@gallowaylights 11 дней назад

I'ts ashame not everyone has your best interests in mind. I guess I keep looking for that fantasy world 😮

@gtbkts 12 дней назад

Thanks for the awesome content and all the amazing videos!!

@kansasscout4322 11 дней назад

I'm a retired PM. Sage advice. I was lucky to have the subs I hired that finished. If there are rumors out there about a sub pay attention. There is always something to them.

@Plimothrock 11 дней назад

Thank you Scott-you just saved your viewers Thousands of dollars in under 10 minutes!

@oxfletch 12 дней назад

Seems like you missed the most obvious one - start with people friends use and recommend

@kendavis8046 11 дней назад

This is good advice. Personal experience, after buying a few properties that required rehab (some of which I could and did do when I was younger) I've had two very good and one very bad experience with contractors. But the two good experiences involved when money was disbursed and specific tasks completed (and inspected.) Everyone went away happy. The bad experience was a contractor that "forgot" what they had agreed to. Still got the work done, but when someone tells me that they are going to do tasks 1-5, for a fixed price, and only complete 1-3 then demand payment, it is NOT a contractor that I will ever use again.

@DennisHochstetler 11 дней назад

That's why it's a good idea to have it in writing. As a former roofing contractor, I can assure you that it is possible to forget what you sold to which customer. A written proposal that outlines the steps they plan to take to complete your project is very helpful for both parties.

@kendavis8046 11 дней назад

@@DennisHochstetler If I implied that I did not have it in writing, sorry. Literally five tasks to complete the punch list, and only three were done when they wanted the full payment. One was minor (a door needed to be aligned and a new lock set.) The other was also minor, a couple of sheets of T1-11 on an exterior shed.

@DennisHochstetler 10 дней назад

@@kendavis8046 yeah, it's should be hard to forget if you have a contract to look at. I guess I just assumed it wasn't written since he claimed he forgot. I guess there's all kinds of characters out there that make up crazy excuses.

@slowfinger2 11 дней назад

I have been a sub on many jobs with home owner GC's. I could write 3 books on the drama and cock-ups. When I went independent I learned to say no to certain jobs. I would refuse to do work on top of obvious mistakes from previous workers, especially if I see that the problem started with the foundation, and all the fudging by the framers and roofers to make it work. It's always the interior finish and trim guys that end up with the stick. It's been a costly learning curve in that position so I never quote interior finish work on unbuilt homes. I have happily walked away from more jobs than I've taken on.

@SenselessUsername 9 дней назад

I guess those foundations were laid by the "not a worry in the world about the most difficult aspect of the job" guys, which this video strangely classes as a green flag!

@americanangler94559 10 дней назад

Good episode with invaluable information.

@tommybounds3220 6 дней назад

Thank you for the video.

@aesoundforge Час назад

As a contractor, that's what I tell my client. Your not just getting me, its all of my subs that I've been working with for 10-20 years. I call them and they will bend over backward for me.

@lukejasso1183 7 дней назад

Ha! I’d never start a project without a down payment!

@eddiexoc8430 10 дней назад

Good points.

@barryomahony4983 12 дней назад

Yes, a red flag for me is when they show up in a spotless, scratch-free lifted pick-up with fancy wheels. That's not a work truck, that's a toy that they bought and got the government to help pay for by calling it a "business expense". The guy that shows up in a surplus Forest Service truck gives a much better impression.

@jonellwanger7258 11 дней назад

You are probably the One And ONLY person to ever say that. I think your envy is showing through. I work MY ASS OFF!! And if I have a fancy truck because of that. GOOD FOR ME!! I EARNED IT! the fk is wrong with you???

@skygh 11 дней назад

@@jonellwanger7258 Nothing wrong with him, you may be myopic. A friend had a window contractor show up in a Mercedes and he presented the job to the guy but my buddy said based on the vehicle no way was he going to hire him. My friend owned a Mercedes. There is your second time hearing it. I have a nice modestly lettered Transit van that strikes a balance. Side note one contractor had a job super that wore suits and no one trusted him. Being defensive interferes with learning. Dress for success

@rigell2764 11 дней назад

@jonellwanger7258 Now that I hear how you talk, I'm really not going to hire you.

@Black_Dirt_Contractor 11 дней назад

Maybe that lifted truck is his weekend driver, or his windshield time vehicle. Sometimes it's more economical to have a drive around and work vehicle. Customers may or may not judge you by what you drive. I know of a business owner that is known to look inside someone's vehicle when they come in for an interview, to see how they treat their personal vehicle. That says a lot. Not judging them because they have $500 work truck, or judgeing them because they have an $80k work truck is still judging. A future great customer might see your hoopty oil guzzler and have negative feelings about how you charge or don't charge, or how much care you put into the tools that make you money. If someone works their ass off to have nice things and takes care of those things, how can you look at them negatively? You're judging them negatively because they have a nice ride. Can someone who has nice rides and deep pockets judge you because you don't? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Judge them by their actions and character, not by what they wear and drive. (I'm not saying I don't. I just give them the benefit of the doubt first)

@DennisHochstetler 11 дней назад

@@Black_Dirt_Contractor there's a wide gap between an $80k pickup and an oil guzzling hoopty. You can get a reliable work truck that says you are successful for less than $40k. When I see tradesmen in fancy trucks I think, "cocky showoffs." Maybe that's not fair, but a lot of people think the same way.

@mattmc121 11 дней назад

I don’t know… maybe upon first meeting it’s a red flag, but I’ve always asked for a small deposit, 5-10%, once the written contract is signed. If I’ve cleared a six week spot in my schedule and a customer backs out a couple days before we start, that can be a pretty big hit to my operation and my bottom line. If I’m putting skin in the game by refusing work during that 6 week window, and possibly ordering materials, etc… I think it’s reasonable to ask the client for some earnest money to hold that spot. In the past 21 years in business it’s only happened a couple times, and I’ve always been able to return the deposit because we’ve been lucky to have been able to move right on to the next project, but this has been standard procedure from day one and I can’t think of a single customer that has balked at that request.

@justinlynch6691 6 дней назад

Hahahaha where were you two years ago. I needed this desperately. Unfortunately i knew people i could "trust"

@SlickSydney 8 дней назад

Lol. Yes exactly. Start with a shed not a HOUSE!! That was funny.

@xeropunt5749 12 дней назад

It’s good not to be short on time or budget.

@terencemerritt 10 дней назад

Do the next video on vetting potential clients. Two way street here

@tommywilliamson2103 11 дней назад

Twice in my life of owning my own home I decided to serve as the GC for projects that were larger than I wanted to tackle on my own. The first involved having the windows replaced on the house, having the house repiped and then having the house stuccoed. The only problem I had was because the guy that measured the windows did not know what he was doing. His installers were great and were able to manage the issues his mistakes created. The plumbers were in and out in one day and TGD next came and sealed up the holes they had made while repiping and the stucco guys made the outside of the house look amazing and even came by a year later to see if any cracking had developed. It took time and effort to locate the right subs got the jinx but it was well worth it. I do believe that my having grown up with a father that was a carpenter helped out a lot in my choosing the right people.

@AlanTheBeast100 11 дней назад

One that irked me was a paver who insisted I did not need a city permit - that that would just slow things down. Called the city. Yep. You do. This took less than 24 hours to sort out (send them in a form and a sketch; direct call to an inspector to ask that it be expedited; done; permit by e-mail about 10 minutes later).

@InspiredCraftsman 11 дней назад

That's great that the process was quick and easy. In my area permits add a minimum of a couple months to a project. Simple retaining wall =2-4 months. Shop or accessory dwelling = 2-3 years permits and plans plus a property tax reassessment.

@djcip1 11 дней назад

You are very fortunate indeed! That is more the exception, rather than the rule. What Scot stated is really pretty common.

@twestgard2 11 дней назад

Unfortunately, in my experience the local planning and building departments will always tell you you have to go through the most complicated, slow, and expensive process they have, even if your project actually fits in a category that requires less oversight. The core problem is that they don’t read their own code. For example, a repair that doesn’t require a permit, they’ll categorize as new construction that does. Decorating that doesn’t require a permit, they’ll categorize as construction that does. Owner-built projects that don’t require a permit, they’ll categorize as contractor-built projects that do. Unfortunately I’m in the position of repeatedly pulling out the code to show the inspectors and forcing them to read it, apparently for the first time. Their own code! So no, asking the city employees isn’t a clear path to the right answer.

@SRagen1983 11 дней назад

Amazon says you book is not available, do you know when it will be for sale again. I love your channel. Thank you Scott for everything that you do.

@michaelduggan991 11 дней назад

In 40 years, the only time I ever worked without a retainer: 1) On big ($10m + -- the whole job, not my part)) commercial jobs for mega contractors, published bids, whole 9 yds; 2) architect referrals where we used the AIA contract, which is a cost plus progress payments once a month.. On every other job I took a deposit if I was the sub, paid a deposit if I was the GC. If my job was for a homeowner, ABSOLUTELY took a deposit, & 30% instead of the usual 10%. I can think of no good reason not to take a deposit, and it would be a red flag for me if a contractor didn't ask for one. Something just not right. A contract is an exchange of promises for value where each side is taking a risk. The GC will be hurt if his sub doesn't show up and perform, but so will the sub if he is not allowed to show up and perform--usually hurt more. Not taking a deposit is not being honest and straightforward, it is taking uncompensated risk. You wouldn't do that with liability insurance, or workman's comp, or shop and truck insurance. Why would you do it in your contracting practices?

@dutchcreek1 11 дней назад

I ask for and get deposits on jobs over a certain amount. It’s a mutual agreement and an expectation that I show up, communicate and complete the work; and that my clients share in that obligation by providing part of the resources to facilitate the work. 5 years, and it’s working. I don’t take nor do I use credit cards.

@dansmitham2437 10 дней назад

I always tell people, if you do nothing else, do this one thing: when hiring subs, get references, and check them.

@bstevermer9293 11 дней назад

The contractor who makes his profit from a change order!

@ponchosancho7710 11 дней назад

Lic by the state and have insurance hands down the two biggest!!! If they don't have either you will have No recourse if they screw you over out the gate!

@gregkrueger331 11 дней назад

Ok but not all states require a license.

@nostalgia46 8 дней назад

Red flags…shit, I can’t even get a contractor to show up or return calls. At this point I’d be happy with a crappy contractor that even showed up!

@AlexofAddison 11 дней назад

Why do I feel like your talking directly to me haha

@bruceli9094 11 дней назад

This is my favorite channel. I bet this dude says Vehhee- ickle😆

@TheBrokenLife 11 дней назад

I always thought number 1 was pretty a pretty standard practice? The last contractor I hired was a septic/sewer company to convert my house from septic to city sewer. They had already connected two other neighbor's houses, I approached them (literally, physically walked across the street) for a quote, it was reasonable, and I think I gave them 25% down to quite literally hold my place in line as they were connecting hundreds of houses. I thought since they were currently working right across the street they would probably just do mine "quick" to avoid trucking the equipment around. Nope. They came back in a few weeks when it was my turn. This all seemed entirely fine? Is that not how it's supposed to be done?

@jonellwanger7258 11 дней назад

Hey. Could I get that book BEFORE I PAY?? Same you suggest we start demo without getting any deposits? You know, I want to make sure the book is a dependable book, and that it will show up on time. And do the work necessary, before you know giving a deposit or paying for the work.. I like a lot of the videos this channel puts out. But this one is a joke!! I’ve worked with shit guys. I’ve worked with talented guys. No one starts a job without a deposit. EVERYONE ASKS FOR HALF UPFRONT. I only ask for 1/3 of overall job price. Plus materials. I get that check, it’s in the bank, and I’m off to buy supplies. And dropping supplies off at the job site same day or next. And then I have some money for my labor. But I Always ask for some money upfront, I don’t take into account what’s in my accounts! The customers want stuff done, well I want paid for the time and energy spent. Diesel is expensive. Food is expensive, and you’re suggesting I drive around spending my money for a customer who I don’t know can pay. That first check lets me know if I can trust them!

@twestgard2 11 дней назад

I don’t ask for half up front. When I’m doing bid work, I usually write it with five payments. For most jobs I can just have it be 20% at each payment; some jobs require a major materials purchase at the beginning so I modify it for that. There are two benefits: customers say things I need to know when they’re holding a checkbook that they don’t say at other times, and second, if a job is going poorly, I have at most 20% at stake, not 50%. Much easier to cut ties if need be.

@delsmith8598 11 дней назад

Love all your content but as a remodeler I disagree with a couple of your points. If we’re a month or more out we require $100 to save a spot on the calendar. Saves us turning away another project and then customer cancels last minute for whatever reason. Second we started getting half down upfront and it has made a world of difference. Now we’re not strapped for cash from floating peoples projects. We can purchase and have everything onsite before we start. I do agree a consumer should check all the other things especially references before handing over any money and have everything in writing. Thanks for all the content you put out.

@ryanmartin2849 3 дня назад

❤❤❤❤

@dosadoodle 11 дней назад

I had the salesman contractor who brought the foreman (who I suspect was a sub) on site to review the job before the bid process, and the salesman literally didn't speak the same language as the foreman (sub?), who had brought a Spanish-English translator with him. I worried about how many details of the work were going to get lost in translation between me to the sales guy to the translator to the foreman (sub?) and to the foreman's crew. I declined their bid, which also seemed high, and am doing the work myself, but I'm curious what others would have thought and done in a similar situation.

@rjthomasindyusa 11 дней назад

I've been a remodel contractor for 25 years. I specialize in mid to high end interiors. I admit.... I'm a bit OCD. I am willing to pay whatever the subcontractor asks and I take alot of time to outline my expectations. I've lived in four states over the past 25 years so I don't have the advantage of being in one market for a long time. Especially since Covid.... it has been nearly impossible to find a good sub contractor. It's so bad that I am looking into a new career path.

@austinaberle7069 11 дней назад

As a subcontractor myself, I respectfully disagree with a request for deposit as being a red flag, as there are plenty of other signs that reveal oneself to be legit. Of course there are the scammers, but you can usually smell them from a mile away. As a welder/fabricator myself, I usually always request a deposit to at least cover materials. This shows good faith to me from the customer.

@MrWorldasmaya 9 дней назад

There are too many unscrupulous subs and generals - and it has gotten worse since the trades have started commanding more $$$s the last 5-6 years in particular. Sure, there are customers who are also less than honest and that kinda speaks to our society writ large. I empathize w/ those who have no construction experience and are basically entering into agreements blind. Not a week goes by I don't have friends/family ask me 'so and so gave me an estimate of this on this...does that sound right?' and, sadly, too often, albeit the minority, are questions I have to answer 'No' to. People need to live with greater integrity and honesty (on all sides of the contract).

@shanesouza4303 2 дня назад

@Scott, remind pplz that asking for money up front is a huge red flag for state licensing boards. It's actually illegal in most states. 😎✌️

@MarcusMussawar 11 дней назад

Deposits are critical to stay in business because when you get busy you decline work and often make expensive preparations and that lost opportunity cost which becomes idle time and means you can't afford to pay the bills that week is crippling the only way to avoid that is with contracts and deposits

@John_Montgomery 11 дней назад

Becareful there are a lot of dishonest, contractors and those that hire contractors. Both should be wary

@branchandfoundry560 11 дней назад

References of jobs with similar size and scope to yours go a long way. I ask to see those jobs in-person AND talk in-person with 3-5+ happy customers who's jobs finished on-time and on-budget. The first thing I ask those customers is, "Would you build with this Sub again right now?" That criteria weeds out the talkers instantly.

@rigell2764 11 дней назад

Take your time and do your homework. A friend of mine wanted to build an addition to his house and he got mixed up with a bad contractor. Dozens of major issues later and attempted fraud, he is now suing the guy for over $100k.

@williamknight9023 11 дней назад

Not only are there bad contractors there are bad customers! It takes years of experience to navigate both.

@chadpilled7913 5 дней назад

If they have been in business for more than 2 years and can fit you on their schedule they probably arent good! Usually!

@chrisking6740 11 дней назад

Really don't agree with the sentiment that if I start a job without asking for a deposit I'm trustworthy. I mean maybe, but I'd also be a fool. Contracts and deposits are crucial when working with the public. I mostly work for GC's, and it is much less formal but even still I get deposits. Any professional would and should.

@diverdave4056 11 дней назад

Or take the local building inspector out to lunch and ask them who the recommend

@timchipps4087 12 дней назад

No deposit - No contract - No work

@shakeandbaked1 12 дней назад

Why do you need a deposit?

@Jr2728 12 дней назад

Most likely because his state allows for deposit like here in California you allowed 1000.00 deposit before you start the work

@jonellwanger7258 11 дней назад

@@shakeandbaked1why should I put my money into a customers job? I need to KNOW they can pay. And most the time I ask for 1/3 of the overall price+ materials. CUSTOMERS buy material, I pick up and drop off. I don’t start work for free. Even if my accounts look fat and healthy!!

@efrentroncoso6471 11 дней назад

@@shakeandbaked1It’s called, “consideration” for the contract. Look it up.

@The_Red_Off_Road 11 дней назад

They usually take the deposit to buy materials. I worked at a cab/wood shop and a deposit bought us enough material to make 3 kitchens. If they back out, most states allow you to keep the deposit or some of it, depending why they backed out.

@APatchworkCanvas 11 дней назад

I never start a job without a deposit. This isn’t 1985

@330DC5 11 дней назад

Hello from Wadsworth, Ohio

@joshfiske6312 5 дней назад

All due respect, if you can regularly do bid after bid and not bring up a deposit or need a contract signed and deposit to start you must have have a crystal ball. To show me as a contractor that you aren't wasting by time and are serious about starting the project those are qualifiers period.

@rdw3171 11 дней назад

The last 10 years or so, the economy has been smoking hot; and as a result of that, the subs have had too much leverage and can pick and choose the jobs they want. Or, to put it another way, the subs vet you, not the other way around. They have you over a barrel in today's economy. If you're a young person starting out in the trades today, you've got it made in the shade.

@KALL_ME_KAPKAN 9 дней назад

My boss has some new guys install hardwood floors in a log cabin. Since the cabins expand and contract with the seasons every board has a gap in it. They all drove new Mercedes SUVs to work. Good guys honestly, I cut the trees down and hauled em to the mill and brought em back where we cut each one with track saws. But they don't know anything about log cabins and said they did.

@martyreaves4955 11 дней назад

I sure wish you could have done my bathroom.. some dude hired by a contractor didn't even have sense enough to level the tub. Even I have that much sense! Anyway, after nearly a month, there are some guys doing much better work.

@Alpha-ro8sc 12 дней назад

Wish i knew this a month ago...

@gxc2662 8 дней назад

I never hire contractor with shinny, lifted pick up trucks. I know I will be paying for his fancy toys, not his skill. Only hire ones driving panel vans with organized tool inside.

@rigobertopacheco8950 10 дней назад

Can you teach on curb and gutter thank you

@jdaz5462 11 дней назад

I just need someone to do the concrete slab. I'm nervous about that one because I need the slab to be dead flat and on elevations.

@cutl00senc 10 дней назад

Where I live, contractors never come after you call them to give an estimate. The ones that do show, can’t ever seem to give a dollar estimate or ball park figure for the job.

@CMCraftsman 11 дней назад

I require a financial commitment from the client before I make a time commitment to them which as a carpenter, to me, is me making a financial commitment as well. I have no social media besides you tube which I only use for my own education but don’t post much. All my work is word of mouth.

@stevenjohnson9304 11 дней назад

I had a new roof 25years ago they snap off roof sewer vent abs I held back 400 dollars on the job next day they came out and fix the pipe.

@LBnols 11 дней назад

#1 sign of a bad contractor, when they try and justify themselves by saying “I’ve been doing this for ____ amount of years.” Your work speaks the itself, not the amount of years you’ve been doing it. Some guys have been doing things wrong for fifty years, doesn’t make it right.

@age_of_reason 10 дней назад

I'm in Texas so no I don't have subs I can trust or depend on. All Latin hacks.

@seandahl8441 11 дней назад

I disagree with you 100% with the deposit. The deposit pays for the materials and your employees wages and most importantly it protects you the contractor from shady customers. I have never met any contractor that pays for materials or wages out of his own pocket. One or two bad customers who don't pay and you and your company goes under

@mdelles 9 дней назад

I do want to make one small comment on your green flag about social media. I'm a computer engineer and I've been developer software for 15 years professionally now. Social media accounts are faked constantly because it's pretty easy to do. So, make sure there's a long history there. If there's an account thats going back years, you're probably alright. If it's going back less than a year it doesnt mean it's fake or a red flag I just wouldnt put as much trust in it.

@ManyThingsSeem 6 дней назад

Lol. do one on scumbag homeowners and RU-vid grifters next... 🤡🌍

@southern842 11 дней назад

Step 1: Do they speak english

@ryan11hawk 10 дней назад

Underrated

@somecooney5304 11 дней назад

14 years as a sub. What I've learned is that customers/homeowners deserve the reputation that subcontractors get. Here's the gist: CHEAP-FAST-GOOD. Pick two. You only get two of the three, so pick and be at peace with the choice you made. Technically retired at 45, so thank-you very much to the universe for guiding me on the path of a self-employed trades worker. That being said, I'm glad I never have to say 'YES' to anyone ever again, haha! Hell, I even stuck around working a year longer than I had to, just to say no to everyone and be a PITA, like a pig enjoying a good roll in the mud :)