A trustworthy network of vendors and contractors is one of the most valuable assets a property owner, manager, or real estate investor can have. Whether you manage residential properties, commercial buildings, or a combination of both, having a go-to list of skilled and dependable professionals streamlines maintenance, repairs, renovations, and emergency response. But building this kind of network doesn’t happen overnight—it requires intentional vetting, relationship-building, and proper documentation.
Marc Romanelli of Lexington, SC, offers practical tips for selecting the right contractors, cultivating long-term partnerships, and organizing your network into a trusted resource you can rely on.
Before you start building your contractor roster, get clear about the scope of services your properties may require. Marc D. Romanelli of Lexington, SC, explains that these may include:
Knowing the types of work you routinely outsource helps you prioritize your search and avoid scrambling during emergencies.
Due diligence during the selection process is crucial. Marc Romanelli of Lexington, SC, explains that one bad contractor can lead to missed deadlines, inflated budgets, or liability issues. Use the following best practices to ensure you're working with qualified professionals.
Key Interview Questions
When interviewing a potential contractor or vendor, ask:
Licensing and Insurance
Always verify the contractor’s license through your state’s licensing board. For insurance, ensure they carry both:
If they use subcontractors, confirm that those individuals are also covered.
Red Flags to Watch For
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it usually is.
Rather than awarding a large job to a new contractor right away, begin with a smaller task to assess their performance. Observe the following:
A reliable contractor will treat small jobs with the same professionalism as large ones.
Once you find a contractor who checks all the boxes, invest in that relationship. Marc Romanelli of Lexington, SC, explains that good contractors are in high demand, and maintaining a respectful, mutually beneficial rapport can ensure you stay at the top of their list.
Ways to Build Rapport
Even with the most trustworthy vendors, always protect yourself with written agreements. A good contract includes:
Avoid using generic templates. Consider hiring an attorney to review or draft your contractor agreements.
As your network grows, the organization becomes key to ensuring you can access the right professional at the right time. Marc Romanelli of Lexington, SC, explains how to build and maintain a contractor database or spreadsheet with fields such as:
For larger portfolios, property management software with vendor tracking features may be worth the investment.
A network is only reliable if it reflects current, accurate information. Marc Romanelli of Lexington, SC, recommends to schedule annual or semi-annual reviews of your vendor list to:
You should also consider a rotating evaluation process, where each contractor’s performance is reassessed after every major project or contract cycle.
Building a dependable contractor and vendor network is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Marc Romanelli of Lexington, SC, emphasizes that by vetting thoroughly, building strong partnerships, formalizing expectations with contracts, and staying organized, you’ll create a resilient, high-performing network you can rely on—whether it’s for a sudden water heater emergency or a multi-unit renovation project. The time and effort you invest in creating this foundation today will pay dividends in reduced stress, smoother operations, and increased property value tomorrow.
