First let me say this...... Not all contractors are bad. In fact, some of the best people I know are contractors. As a buyer, seller, or a home owner it is very important to pick the right ones. Most contractors are not licensed and often do not have any form of credentials unless it is required.

This picture is of a newly installed roof and was found during a home inspection in Burlington, North Carolina. The seller had the roof installed to prepare for the sale of his home. As you can see from the pic, the rows are not even which is an indication of improper installation. A poorly installed roof may not last the expected life span and manufacturers will often not guarantee an improperly installed product. 

So, how do you find good contractors? The internet? My answer to that is a simple no. I will not go into details, but often the internet produces a mixed bag of results. The best place to start is friends and family, as they will not likely refer anyone they themselves are not confident in. Another source would be a great real estate agent. Agents often utilize contractors for their clients and generally know the best in the area. As home inspectors we also often know the area's best contractors. If you ever have any questions please let us know.