Contractor bid etiquette
annkathryn
12 years ago
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12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoannkathryn
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Odd qn: On etiquette re. contractors
Comments (3)Go back to the first guy. Tell him how a friend urged you to use their guy and it was a big mistake. He'll be more pleased that you had to come back to him and realized just how good he was! It will be an ego boost for him. He'll just think you're a bit foolish. I let them think that to get a better job....See MoreGeneral Contractor bid excessive?
Comments (28)Beachem I would tell him what lyfia said. I just double-checked a painting estimate I have from reputable company that does a ton of work around here, I know they are not the cheapest. $7,000 to paint my main and lower levels, all trim and ceilings. My home is 2900 sq. ft. I live in an area that often gets overpriced as contractors assume by living here, people have a lot of money. I have had to do that in my own home remodel. We moved from out of state to a new area to a house needing major remodel. We got a recommended GC (my husband's boss used him extensively). I didn't get other pricing because he was highly recommended by my realtor and DH boss, and was told he was priced mid-range comparatively. We gave him our budget, and we started moving forward. After getting things priced for our downstairs, he said we won't have enough money to do anything else we want (and we have a large budget). Well I can't live in a half finished house! I did get other pricing, and had to tell him as much as I wanted to work with him, he was simply out of our budget. In fact, he was one of the highest priced of all. He also cost me on the few things he did start on. One, we wanted our children's rooms finished so they could have a room right away (carpet, trim painted, ceiling fan installed). Well looking back now he knew we were replacing all the windows, why did he let me get the trim painted? It's all ripped off sitting in a corner right now. Also, to help us 'save money' he put trim on and painted our cheap flat panel hollow core doors. Only as of this month did I see hollow core doors were only 30-$40. I think I actually paid more having him trim out and paint them all. Really gets me upset, I could've used the money spent to upgrade to solid doors. In the end we are going the route of GCing it ourselves, and using one contractor who works alone, but has a wide skill set, so he is doing many projects for us. I guess like a handyman, however he is very professional and knowledgable. I did vet him with seeing his previous work (bathrooms, floors, cabinetry) and calling references. It's not ideal because I really wish I had the advice of a true general contractor (the guy I have is able to advise in some areas but not all), but I've learned that either way you go you need to educate yourself on the nature of the work going on in your home....See MoreIs it wise to bid on a house without contractor input?
Comments (29)I guess I agree with greg_2015. When you're in the house already and decide you remodel-you choose a pro to go with. As he chooses whether to go with you too. Kind of a mutual interview. If you're just thinking of buying a house and calling a pro to roughly estimate..it's a bit different. You don't choose a pro quite yet. You're still choosing a house. So it's less of an interview for a future job together..more like a separate small job. I imagine that now, with the ongoing boom in construction, few if any will take their time and do this separate small job for free. How much should it cost? I frankly don't know. Angie's List runs all sorts of promotions from various pros..like "A GC for a day" or "On site consultation" or something..maybe check what they've got there in your area. You can use these coupons you purchase pretty fast. They contact you back within 24 or 48 hours, you schedule with them. Didn't use such service when looking for a big bid..but smaller jobs/estimates, like a quote on landscaping, yes....See MoreContractor etiquette when living through a kitchen renovation?
Comments (17)It has honestly never even occurred to me to buy lunch for contractors. We do provide water (and, if the project doesn't have a port-a-potty involved, access to the bathroom). One set of contractors wanted an area to set up a little kitchen space for a kettle and a microwave, so we provided that. Otherwise I just check in when they arrive and ask if they need anything from me, and let them know where I'll be and if there are times when I can't be interrupted. Agree beforehand on how they will come and go from the space, if there are multiple options, and whether there are any expectations around that (e.g., shoes on/off, booties if walking through area of house not under construction, etc.) Otherwise I just try to stay out of the way....See Moreannkathryn
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12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoannkathryn
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoannkathryn
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoUser
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoannkathryn
12 years agolast modified: 9 years agoUser
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