Reply to Contractor recommendations for large addition & thoughts on cost

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We are in the midst of a 450 2-story sq foot addition.  Total cost is close to $130k.  We could have got it done cheaper.  Posters who are claiming 400k are nuts.  And the fact that you live in Bethesda is irrelevant.  The costs are the same in NE DC as they are in Bethesda.  The only reason you might pay a premium in Bethesda is because the contractor thinks you are rich and wants to fleece you.  Of course it depends on how big you are talking about (sq ft) and how fancy your finishes are but $400k+ sounds crazy.  Plan on $250-300 per sq foot (high end).[/quote]

Agree.  I added 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen renovation and basement for about $250 k in Bethesda.  $400000 estimates are outrageous unless you're doing high end everything with lots of built ins.  [/quote]

This is very helpful.  We've decided to have an architect draw up the plans and then bid out the job to 5 builders who have been recommended.  Will be interesting to see if the bids are drastically different.[/quote]

Why 5 Builders ?

I say this because I am a builder (from another area). When I hear there are five guys bidding a job I get disincentived to go hard after the work. 1 in 3, 1 in4 probability is greater and its easier to spend some getting to know client. Also the math works better from a ROI perspective. When I hear 5 bids, I think the customer is very cost conscious, and there is nothing wrong with that, but I know I may look at other work first. I do wonder if some of the better builders don't bow out hearing you are getting five bids.

Also, if they numbers coalesce around a price point, what selection process will you use to determine bid award ?
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