Property is Power! Choosing a Contractor Is Choosing a Partner in Your Wealth Journey

Property is Power!

Choosing a Contractor Is Choosing a Partner in Your Wealth Journey

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I say this not as an outsider but as someone with decades of experience flippingproperties, managing projects, and financing thousands of rehab loans and yet,recently, I made a mistake I should’ve known better than to make. I ignored myinstincts. I didn’t follow the process. I followed emotion. And I paid for it.

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It started with a price that seemed too good to be true and that’sbecause it was. Like many of us, I wanted to save money. Human nature. But inthis business, cutting corners often means cutting deep into your pocketslater. That lowball quote came from a contractor who presented well at firstglance but quickly unraveled under the slightest pressure. I asked him basicquestions when he could start, how many crew members he had, whether he workedsolo. Instead of answering directly, he got defensive and aggressive.

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That was my signal to walk away. But I didn’t. I stuck with it, and thejob played out like a like you would expect incomplete task, sloppy timelines,constantly switching between trades. He’d start painting, leave midway, thenjump into a new task never finishing what he started. Every step wasinefficient. Every conversation became tense. And in the end, the work had tobe redone. I share this not to vent, but because too many of us have been thereand too many of us continue to repeat the same mistakes without callingourselves out. It’s easy to blame contractors. And don’t get me wrong, somedeserve the criticism. But what about our own due diligence? What about thequestions we didn’t ask, the licenses we didn’t verify, the past clients we didn’t call.

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We’ve also got to talk about the stereotypes that harm our community.I’ve heard people say, “You can’t hire Black contractors they don’t show up,they don’t finish, they’ll run off with your money.” That language is rooted inpain but it’s also rooted in a lack of process. It’s not about race. It’s aboutpreparation, accountability, and standards.

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If someone is an electrician, hire them for electrical work not toredo your plumbing just because they said they “could figure it out.” We haveto stop handing out passes and start demanding precision. And more importantly,we need to uplift the many skilled, reliable, talented Black contractors whoare running businesses with integrity, but don’t get the appreciation theydeserve.

Many contractors are trying to grow, expand, and provide for theirfamilies. Some overpromise out of ambition, not deception. But ambition withoutskill or structure leads to broken trust.

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We must hold Black-owned businesses accountable with love. That means:

• Verifying skills: Just because your electrician     cousin says he can “do plumbing too” doesn’t mean he should be touching     your pipes.
• Hiring specialists: If you’re doing a kitchen, hire     a kitchen expert. If you’re laying tile, hire a tile expert. Not a     “handyman” who says he can do it all.
• Checking previous work: Ask for photos, addresses, even     past clients you can talk to. A serious contractor will have a portfolio.
• Confirming licensing and     insurance: Do not skip this step. No matter how trustworthy someone     seems, get it in writing.

Here are 10 essential questions to ask before signing anything:

1. Are you licensed and insured?     (Always get documentation don’t just take their word.)
2. How many projects like this have     you completed?
3. Can I see photos or addresses of     your recent work?
4. Will you be doing the work     yourself or subcontracting it?
5. What’s your timeline, and how do     you manage your projects?
6. How many people are on your team?
7. How do you handle delays,     unexpected issues, or change orders?
8. Do you provide written, itemized     estimates and contracts?
9. Can I speak to at least two     recent clients?
10. What’s your communication style how     often will we touch base?

Here are some additional tips:

• Start small. Don’t throw someone into a full     gut renovation if you’ve never worked with them before. Give them a small     job first see how they handle it.
• Use written contracts. Always. No exceptions. Clearly     outline payment schedules, milestones, penalties for delays, and     expectations.
• Pay in phases. Never pay the full amount     upfront. Break the payment into percentages tied to completed benchmarks.
• Keep receipts and document     everything. Photos. Emails. Texts. Keep a paper trail in case things go     sideways.
• Trust your gut, but verify with     facts. If someone seems off, investigate why. Ask more questions. Dig     deeper.

Let’s also flip the mirror on ourselves. If you’re hiring someone, beprepared to be a good client. Communicate clearly. Pay on time. Respect theschedule. When both sides do their part, projects move forward with strength. Tothe many hardworking Black contractors out there thank you. We see you. We needyou. We encourage you to keep refining your craft, honoring your word, andbuilding a business that makes you proud. Excellence in service is our bestdefense against the stereotypes. And truthfully, it’s our best advertisementtoo.

Dr.Anthony O. Kellum – CEO of Kellum Mortgage, LLC

HomeownershipAdvocate, Speaker, Author

NMLS# 1267030 NMLS #1567030

O:313-263-6388 W: www.KelluMortgage.com.

Property is Power! is a movement to promote home and communityownership. Studies indicate

homeownershipleads to higher graduation rates, family wealth, and community involvement.

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