| Well as a home improvement contractor with over 30 years in
the business let me shed a little light on the subject. I have spent my
fair share of time dealing with the lowest possible bids. The home owner
calls me up to let me in on the bad news, " We have found someone
cheaper than you but we would really like you to do the work".
The bomb has been dropped. What do I do now as the contractor? How do
I respond to this?
Quite simply with the old. Thanks for the opportunity to bid your job
but as I told you when I gave you the estimate, this was my final bid.
Now I get to hear , We just wanted to give you one last chance,
Are you sure you can't at least match the other companies estimate and
last but not least Well I guess you don't want to work for us.
In the construction business we call this a motivated shopper. These
home owners have the idea that all contractors give you a high bid and
are always willing to negotiate. This will be the case with some
contractors but not all contractors. I have only came down on my
original bid once and that will be another story.
I don't blame anyone ever for asking me if I can do the job cheaper
than my original estimate. Everyone has the right to ask for anything
they want. My problem is when they ask and I say no it seems to upset
them. I have heard almost every response you can imagine. They ask and I
answered. I have the right to respond don't I, in any way I feel.
The lowest possible price will not guarantee the worst workmanship.
The highest estimate for the work that you want done will not guarantee
the best workmanship either. I know let's go with the estimate in the
middle of these two. That way I get a decent job for average pay. This
isn't the case either.
I have listened to home owners tell me, " You always go with the one
in the middle". That is the best way to get an estimate for home
improvement projects. This advice is not always going to work. It sounds
good and I know you have heard someone say this or something like
it.
So how do I find the best possible estimate for my home remodeling
project at the same time get a good job done in a timely manner?
Here is the best advice I can give you. Get at least 3 estimates if
possible. Ask for references or maybe they have someone in your
area you can contact, so you can look at the work they have done.
Now other than getting a credit check, police back ground report, FBI
clearances or the ok from your parents. There is one thing that I go by
and it has worked for me and it should work for you.
Do they sound knowledgeable about the work they are going to perform.
Did they show up on time for your first meeting. This is about it.
If they seem to make you feel comfortable and confident that they have
the ability to do the work in a timely manner you have got some that is
in the running. If you do not feel comfortable with any contractor get
rid of them immediately.
I can go on and on about what to look for in a contractor. Do they
dress nice, are they peasant, where they referred to you by a friend and
on and on and on. Ok stop that. Use your best judgment dealing with home
improvement contractors. Be fair to them and they should be fair to you.
If you don't no anything about the construction project you are
starting there is a good chance you won't know if the contractors do
either. Find out more at www.gregvan.com
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