ChekiKeja
Sign InGet Started
Back to Blog
Professional Services

How to Find and Hire Reliable Real Estate Professionals

A comprehensive guide to vetting contractors, property managers, and service providers for your real estate needs.

6 min read
Featured image for How to Find and Hire Reliable Real Estate Professionals - A comprehensive guide to vetting contractors, property managers, and service providers for your real...
Your Hiring Progress
0
Steps Completed
7
Steps Remaining
0%
Complete

You're making good progress! 7 more steps to go.

Select Professional Type

Choose the type of professional you're looking to hire for specific guidance.

Licensed Plumber

Water system installation, repair, and maintenance

KES 3,000-8,000/day
1-3 days to find
Pipe installationLeak repair+2 more

Certified Electrician

Electrical wiring, installations, and safety inspections

KES 4,000-10,000/day
1-2 days to find
WiringCircuit installation+2 more

General Contractor

Overall project management and construction

KES 50,000-200,000/project
3-7 days to find
Project managementMultiple trades+2 more

Property Manager

Comprehensive property management services

8-12% of rent
3-5 days to find
Tenant relationsMaintenance coordination+2 more
7-Step Hiring Process

Follow this proven process to find and hire the right professional for your needs.

1

Define Your Project Requirements

critical

Clearly outline what work needs to be done, timeline, and budget expectations.

Pro Tips:

  • •Create a detailed scope of work document
  • •Set realistic timeline expectations
  • •Research market rates for your area
  • •Determine if permits are required
2

Research and Find Candidates

critical

Use multiple sources to identify potential professionals for your project.

Pro Tips:

  • •Check online platforms like ChekiKeja
  • •Ask for referrals from friends and family
  • •Contact local trade associations
  • •Review professional licensing boards
3

Verify Credentials and Licensing

critical

Ensure all candidates have proper licenses, insurance, and certifications.

Pro Tips:

  • •Verify licenses with local authorities
  • •Confirm insurance coverage
  • •Check Better Business Bureau ratings
  • •Look up any complaint history
4

Get Multiple Detailed Quotes

critical

Request comprehensive quotes from at least 3-5 qualified professionals.

Pro Tips:

  • •Ensure quotes include same scope of work
  • •Ask for itemized breakdowns
  • •Clarify payment schedules
  • •Understand what's included/excluded
5

Check References Thoroughly

important

Contact previous clients to verify quality of work and professionalism.

Pro Tips:

  • •Contact at least 3 recent clients
  • •Ask about work quality and timeliness
  • •Inquire about communication style
  • •Verify warranty honor history
6

Review Contracts and Legal Terms

important

Carefully examine all contract terms, warranties, and legal protections.

Pro Tips:

  • •Review scope of work details
  • •Understand payment terms
  • •Verify warranty provisions
  • •Check dispute resolution clauses
7

Establish Communication Protocols

recommended

Set clear expectations for project communication and updates.

Pro Tips:

  • •Define communication frequency
  • •Choose preferred communication methods
  • •Set milestone review points
  • •Document change procedures
Professional Verification Checklist

Use this checklist to verify each professional candidate before making your final decision.

Verification Progress0 of 10 completed

Licensing

Valid professional licensehigh
License verification with authoritieshigh

Insurance

General liability insurancehigh
Workers compensation coveragehigh

Financial

Bonding (if required)medium
Credit check completedmedium

References

Contacted 3+ recent clientshigh
Verified work qualityhigh

Business

Physical business address verifiedmedium
Better Business Bureau checklow
Quote Comparison Tool

Compare quotes from multiple professionals to make an informed decision.

Professional A
5.0 (23 reviews)
KES 45,000
• Licensed & Insured
• 10 years experience
• 2-week timeline
• 2-year warranty
Professional B
4.2 (15 reviews)
KES 52,000
• Licensed & Insured
• 7 years experience
• 3-week timeline
• 1-year warranty
Professional C
4.7 (31 reviews)
KES 38,000
• License pending
• 5 years experience
• 10-day timeline
• 6-month warranty
Warning Signs to Avoid

Red Flags During Search

  • No physical business address
  • Lacks proper licensing or insurance
  • Requests large upfront payments
  • Door-to-door solicitation

Red Flags During Project

  • Poor communication or responsiveness
  • Consistently missing deadlines
  • Quality doesn't match expectations
  • Requests payment ahead of schedule

Ready to Find Your Professional?

ChekiKeja connects you with pre-vetted, licensed professionals for all your property needs.


How to Find and Hire Reliable Real Estate Professionals


Finding trustworthy professionals for your real estate projects can be challenging. Whether you need a contractor for renovations, a property manager for rentals, or specialized service providers, making the right choice can save you time, money, and stress. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of finding and hiring reliable real estate professionals.


Understanding Different Types of Real Estate Professionals


Before starting your search, it's important to understand the various types of professionals you might need:


Contractors and Trade Professionals

  • General contractors
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • HVAC technicians
  • Painters
  • Flooring specialists
  • Roofers

    • Property Management Professionals

  • Property managers
  • Leasing agents
  • Maintenance coordinators
  • Real estate attorneys

    • Specialized Services

  • Home inspectors
  • Appraisers
  • Interior designers
  • Landscapers
  • Cleaning services

    • Step 1: Define Your Project Requirements


    Before reaching out to professionals, clearly define:


  • **Scope of work**: What exactly needs to be done?
  • **Timeline**: When does the project need to be completed?
  • **Budget**: What's your realistic budget range?
  • **Quality expectations**: What level of finish do you expect?
  • **Permits required**: Does the work require special permits?

    • Step 2: Research and Find Candidates


    Online Platforms

  • **ChekiKeja**: Vetted professionals in your area
  • **Professional association websites**
  • **Local contractor licensing boards**
  • **Better Business Bureau**

    • Traditional Methods

  • **Word-of-mouth referrals** from friends and family
  • **Local hardware stores** often have bulletin boards
  • **Real estate agents** can provide recommendations
  • **Property management companies** know reliable contractors

    • Step 3: Verify Credentials and Licensing


    Essential Verifications

    1. **License verification** through state/local licensing boards

    2. **Insurance coverage** (liability and workers' compensation)

    3. **Bond status** for certain types of work

    4. **Better Business Bureau rating**

    5. **Professional association memberships**


    Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unlicensed contractors
  • No physical business address
  • Demands payment upfront
  • Door-to-door solicitors
  • Extremely low bids compared to others

    • Step 4: Evaluate Experience and Expertise


    Questions to Ask

  • How long have you been in business?
  • How many similar projects have you completed?
  • Can you provide references from recent clients?
  • Do you have experience with properties like mine?
  • What challenges do you foresee with this project?

    • Portfolio Review

  • Request photos of recent similar work
  • Ask to visit completed projects if possible
  • Review online portfolios and websites
  • Check social media presence for work samples

    • Step 5: Get Multiple Quotes


    Best Practices

  • Get at least 3-5 detailed quotes
  • Ensure quotes include the same scope of work
  • Ask for itemized breakdowns
  • Clarify what's included and excluded
  • Understand payment schedules

    • Comparing Quotes

    Don't simply choose the lowest bid. Consider:

  • Quality of materials specified
  • Timeline for completion
  • Warranty offered
  • Professional presentation
  • Communication quality

    • Step 6: Check References Thoroughly


    What to Ask Previous Clients

  • Was the work completed on time and within budget?
  • Were there any unexpected issues or changes?
  • How was the professional's communication?
  • Was the work site kept clean and organized?
  • Would you hire them again?
  • Any advice for working with this professional?

    • Additional Reference Checks

  • Contact suppliers to verify payment history
  • Check with local permits office for compliance
  • Verify warranty claims were honored
  • Ask about subcontractor relationships

    • Step 7: Review Contracts and Agreements


    Essential Contract Elements

  • Detailed scope of work
  • Materials specifications
  • Timeline with milestones
  • Payment schedule tied to completion
  • Change order procedures
  • Warranty terms
  • Cleanup responsibilities

    • Legal Considerations

  • Ensure proper lien waiver procedures
  • Understand dispute resolution processes
  • Verify permit responsibilities
  • Confirm insurance coverage details
  • Include penalty clauses for delays

    • Step 8: Communication and Project Management


    Setting Expectations

  • Establish regular communication schedules
  • Define preferred communication methods
  • Set up project milestone reviews
  • Clarify decision-making processes
  • Document all changes in writing

    • Managing the Relationship

  • Be available for questions and decisions
  • Provide timely responses to requests
  • Respect professional expertise
  • Address concerns promptly
  • Maintain professional boundaries

    • Using Technology to Your Advantage


    Project Management Tools

  • Use apps to track progress
  • Document work with photos
  • Maintain communication logs
  • Store contracts and permits digitally
  • Track expenses and payments

    • Online Reviews and Ratings

  • Read reviews on multiple platforms
  • Look for patterns in feedback
  • Consider both positive and negative reviews
  • Check recency of reviews
  • Respond appropriately to your own reviews

    • Red Flags and Warning Signs


    During the Search Process

  • No physical business address
  • Lacks proper licensing or insurance
  • Requests large upfront payments
  • Provides verbal-only estimates
  • Pressures you to sign immediately

    • During the Project

  • Poor communication or responsiveness
  • Consistently misses deadlines
  • Quality doesn't match expectations
  • Requests payment ahead of schedule
  • Doesn't follow safety protocols

    • Building Long-term Relationships


    Benefits of Repeat Relationships

  • Better pricing on future projects
  • Priority scheduling
  • Familiarity with your properties
  • Established trust and communication
  • Quality consistency

    • Maintaining Professional Networks

  • Keep contact information updated
  • Provide referrals to other property owners
  • Write honest online reviews
  • Maintain regular communication
  • Consider annual service contracts

    • Conclusion


    Finding and hiring reliable real estate professionals requires time, research, and due diligence. By following this systematic approach, you'll be better positioned to make informed decisions and build successful working relationships. Remember that the lowest price isn't always the best value – focus on finding professionals who offer the right combination of quality, reliability, and fair pricing.


    Ready to Find Professionals?


    ChekiKeja makes it easy to find, compare, and hire verified real estate professionals in your area. Our platform connects you with licensed, insured, and reviewed professionals for all your property needs.


    [Find Professionals Near You →](/professionals)


    Tags

    HiringProfessionalsQuality AssuranceContractorsProperty Management
    How to Find and Hire Reliable Real Estate Professionals | ChekiKeja Real Estate Blog | ChekiKeja