New to dealing with contractors -- advice, please

[Anonymous]

We are undertaking several home-improvement projects, ranging from flooring installation to a total kitchen reno. We're getting quotes from contractors and specialty companies. I am wondering...

How many bids do you get on each job? I get the impression that 3 seems to be the industry standard.

Do you inform the contractors that you decide not to go with? (Or rather than taking the time to call or email, would you just not worry about it unless they call to follow up?) And if you do tell them you're using someone else, how does that go?

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

No one?

[Anonymous]

I don't usually say anything unless it's a larger renovation project. An interested contractor may follow up.

I get 2-3 bids and read any reviews that I can find.

If/ when I tell them I went with someone else I briefly explain why- diplomatically. Typically it comes down to timing and cost- occasionally I suspect that one contractor is simply more competent (I don't share that).

[Anonymous]

3 quotes is enough if you are satisfied that they are in the expected price range and like the contractor. If they are all too high and you aren't comfortable, you can get 10 quotes. Just find the right person for you.

[Anonymous]

I agree with 3 quotes. I only followed up with people if I wanted to work with them but their price was out of line (many contractors do come down in price if you have multiple bids, or they will explain why they are worth more), they spent a particularly long time talking to me or followed up with me. It was an easy conversation, don't stress about that.

Here's what I will tell you though: Prepare to stay on top of your contractors. I did tons of due diligence, hired great contractors and professionals... and I still had to be on their ass about stuff. Their subs (or they) will try to cut corners, they'll miss deadlines, they will fail to communicate things, etc. Even if they're great. No one else has your interests in mind and you have to prepare to be an advocate for yourself. If they are doing something you aren't sure about, it's much better to jump in and ask questions before they get any further in the project. Take pictures and text them to your contractor if needed.

I'm a very assertive person, comes easily for me -- and I found it very exhausting to constantly be on top of the contractor relationship. Again, this is with multiple projects, several different contractors, all well-vetted. It is just a fact, no one else will care as much as you do, and you're the one that has to live with the results. Prepare yourself to advocate.

I personally found Angie's List very useful when we were going through a period of heavy renovation, even though they have to pay to be on there so you may miss other great providers. I didn't renew after that but I do kind of miss my membership.

[Anonymous]

The bigger the project, the more bids I get. We did a major addition and talked to six contractors and there was a lot of variation between them. Having so many estimates really helped us get perspective. I did get back in touch with the ones who had gotten back to me when they said they would, had good communication themselves, etc. There were a couple I had to nag for bids who mysteriously all experienced computer crashes and didn't get information to me anywhere near the time they said they would. I didn't feel compelled to get back to them quickly.

[Anonymous]

assume they are liars and withhold money as much as possible until you get the exact results you want. Double check the work because they will say it's done and it won't be. Remember you are dealing with scmamers.

[Anonymous]

This is good advice for a novice. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I am an architect and this is how i help my clients when they have multiple projects ranging in size.
Get 3 quotes based on the larger items and list, in detailed order, quotes for the smaller jobs (re tiling, painting, etc).
Be aware that you will need good drawings or "something" so all contractors are basing their quotes on the same project.
I do a lot of kitchen renovations in the area and I can suggest very reliable contractors I have work with successfully.
Feel free to contact me to see how I can help you further.
Cheers,
ileana schinder
www.ileanaschinder.com