Contractors!  You know your average plumber, electrician, tile guy or local handy man. We love these Mr. Fix Its, but do we really know them? There seems to be some sort of mystery surrounding this whole group. I like to picture that Diet Coke commercial with the group watching the hot window washer as I imagine who will show up when I call for a plumber. Most the time I’m sadly disappointed (I hope my plumber isn’t reading – Love you!)

Who are these people? What makes them tick? Do they seriously get excited about dimmer switches and attic flooring? Are they embarrassed about the term “plumber’s crack?” Are they really out to get you?  I was really confused about this group too until I married one (now I’m really confused).

To help me figure it out, Bob invited a few of his contactors buddies to chew the fat about contractor lingo and get the skinny on how they’re really just trying to help make the world a better place. Although I enjoyed being one of the “guys”, it seemed like a foreign language at times especially when they were talking about ground fault interrupters. But, I think I caught a glimpse of their contractor secret world.

The group consisted of Phil Blackmon of Phil’s Electric, Trevor Arts from Century Granite, and Joe Norris of Precision Concepts.  Although Bob was supposed to be acting as a reporter looking for the honest scoop on the contracting profession, I will count him as a contributor/lead humorist for all things contractor related.

Are all contractors scam artists?

“It’s our biggest obstacle to overcome,” says Trevor Arts. “Truth be told, I couldn’t stay in business very long if we were just out to collect a check”

It’s easy to find a contractor horror story if you ask around. However, there are many more competent contractors getting kudos for their great work. It’s a common misconception that these blue collar heroes are a bunch of uneducated thugs who are out to get you. Most of them have Superman suits secretly hidden under their button-ups!

How do you find one of the good ones?

“Most good contractors will be happy to lead you to the specific personnel you need,” explained Joe Norris.

“Pick up the phone and call a few companies,” says Trevor Arts. “An even better bet is to talk with your neighbors, friends and co-workers and get a referral.” 

A referral from someone who has recently enjoyed a great experience on a home improvement project is usually just the ticket to a great contractor. There are also several websites like Angieslist.com or Servicemagic.com where you can get all the good, the bad and the ugly details of your local contractors.   

How customers can get the most out of their contractor? 

“I think it comes down to a matter of trust,” says Phil Blackmon. “I just tell people that I’ve been doing this for 30 years and to trust me.” 

“Honestly, you have to trust the experience and the know-how,” said Trevor.  “Most of my sales come from people who have been quoted prices, but given no detail,” he said. “I ask the questions the other guys don’t to avoid any problems later. I want to let people know they’ve got the right company.”

Which leads us to the issue of “plumbers crack” – what’s that all about?

“It’s not a rumor,” said Joe. “If you’re working all day on the floor, that shirt keeps moving up and those pants have gravity all over them.” 

Not everyone has a handle on these mysterious trade professionals.  I’ll have to admit that before I married my contractor hubby, I hadn’t put much thought into it. As long as my washer and dryer worked, I was pretty happy. One day when my girlfriend called to tell me she was marrying her air conditioner repairman, I really had to stop and think. “Hey, never rule out your service providers!” she said. I’m not saying you need to marry your tile guy but it sure is interesting to listen in on their conversations.