How To Reduce the Number of Bad Experiences From Home Contractors, Vendors and Suppliers

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The best way to avoid bad experiences when getting anything done is to use the services of someone with a known track record.  The whole idea of getting references goes far beyond just major things, in fact if you are a homeowner you should think carefully before using the services of anyone for any job in or around your home.

Whether getting carpets cleaned, a bathroom remodeled, staging a home before setting it up for sale or even having a simple electrical job done, nothing gives a homeowner more peace of mind than knowing that the person or company doing the work is trusted and reputable.

Your Real Estate Agent Has a Great List of Preferred Vendors

So often people neglect to realize just how often Realtors come into contact with a host of vendors that they would use for projects in their homes.  While the obvious vendors are General Contractors, Home Inspectors, Appraisers and Home Stagers – your agent will likely also have a list of many more vendors as well.  For example, if you need to have your furnace tuned up or install a deck or even set up and manage landscaping for your home’s exterior.  The possibilities are endless and if you can think of it, chances are your agent has worked with a company or contractor at one point in all their dealings with home-related issues and transactions.

Support Your Local Businesses!

With our economy as it has been lately, nothing is better for a community than to pump back more dollars into the stream. Of course one of the best ways to do that is to support your local vendors.  While your agent will have access to many national contacts as well, most of the vendors and suppliers on their list will be those of local businesses. Getting the best of both worlds, you can utilize the services of a person or company that already has a proven performance record with someone you know and trust and at the same time support your community in the process.

Resources for Some Common Vendor and Supplier Categories

To help you with your search when looking for someone to take care of the next project in your home, we’ve assembled a list of some reputable websites and/or organizations that have both a national and local presence.

Appraisers – A national directory of home appraisers by state

Home Inspectors – The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)

Home Cleaning Resources – Directory of home and carpet cleaners

Stagers – The International Association of Home Staging Professionals

General Contractors – The Associated General Contractors of America

Plumbers – National database of plumbers, by state

Electricians – National database of electricians, by state

Landscapers – Landscape directory

Heating and Cooling Professionals – Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association

Architects – The American Institute of Architect’s Architect Finder

Kitchen and Bath Designers – National Kitchen and Bath Association search tool
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No matter whom you end up selecting, be sure to check with your agent to see whether they have had experience working with the person or company.  And if the services you seek are beyond the scope of this list there is a good possibility that there are local vendors on your agent’s Preferred Vendor’s List that will work perfectly for you!