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Eeny, Meeny,

Miny… NO!

Don’t Leave it to Chance!

by Rick Borman

hether a project has been
suddenly foisted upon you in the
form of the failure of your 10 year
W old 2-ton air conditioning unit
that has failed or perhaps it’s just plain high time
to bring that 1990’s kitchen into the 21st century,
the age old question of choosing the right
contractor can be as much a nuanced art form as it is a challenge in
Southwest Florida.
Naples is known nationwide for our tropical lifestyle, the
nation’s finest homes, world-class dining, golf and those fabulous
Gulf sunsets. With all of this, one might surmise that finding and
hiring a contractor for any project from a small one to a complete
remodel would offer up a plethora of excellent choices. This is not
always the case, however.
We seem to be incessantly bombarded by advertisements for
companies that promise to tackle small projects or find you the
perfect contactor by simply going online and filling out a short form.
I have personally tried these services and I was left less than
impressed by the person who came to my door, which in turn left
If the situation permits, inquire if you might be able to pay a
me unimpressed by the company’s vetting process.
brief visit to the recommending person’s home to see a sample of
Remember, any project that involves multiple phases means
their contractor’s work.
that not only must you have full confidence in the skills and
Their experiences can tell you a lot about what you may expect
pro-standards of your hire, but you can count on seeing a lot of each
and experience. Your friends know you, so they will be weighing
other nearly daily until that job is finished. Personal chemistry and
whether you and their recommended contractor will work well
ease of communication with your vendor becomes critical with
together. This kind of calculation is something that no algorithm
longer or more complex projects. You need to trust his or her
can provide.
judgment and be able to say whatever is on your mind and have
Of course, if you are hiring an architect, you will be presented
that person really listen and implement.
with his short list of preferred contractors that have worked
As a licensed certified professional home inspector and FAA
successfully with your architect in the past.
commercial drone pilot, I am asked almost daily for recommendations
There is no substitute for the real life experiences of friends,
for any variety of licensed tradesmen. I make a practice to provide
relatives and neighbors when it comes to making the decision of
three names and only those in whom I am fully confident.
whom to invite into your home to provide a service. There are many
My hypothesis is that the only currently reliable way to choose
truly gifted, honest and professional contractors in every trade in
the “right” contractor is the old fashioned way; ask your friends and
the Naples area. The challenge is to find the ones that make your
neighbors. Make sure to ask them specific questions such as:
life easier. Once you have compiled your very own little black book
of vendors, you will not want to ever let them go. You may even
∙ Were you happy with the job when it was completed?
find yourself being a little reluctant to share your treasure with just
∙ Did the project get done on time and on budget?
anyone.
∙ Were the workers respectful and truly skilled at their
respective trades?
∙ How was the communication with the contractor when it Rick Borman, Owner, Reliable Inspections of Naples and
came to changes or challenges? 3D Aerial Imaging , 239.778.1176 , Rick@RememberReliable.com
74 Life in Naples | January 2020