You can learn a lot from subcontractor remodeling bids. Don’t slight this process.
Spending more time up front in preparing, planning, and scheduling will pay dividends down the road. It can be the difference between the home improvement experience from hell and a wonderful adventure where you get everything you want!
Question: Why is it important to get more than one (usually 3) bids for each project of phase of construction?
Answer:
A major home remodeling project, like a room addition for instance, is going to take several different contractors. You’ll likely need to perform things like framing, plumbing, electrical, roofing, finish carpentry, painting and the like.
Each of these duties is performed by a different subcontractor. If you are an owner builder, managing the project yourself or with a home building coach, you’ll need to select and supervise each trade (contractor). The first step in selecting your trades people is to get them to give you bids or quotes.
Obeying the Three Bid Rule
I recommend that you get three bids for each subcontractor trade. Sometimes two will work … especially if they come highly recommended and if their quotes are similar. Rarely would it be necessary to get more than three.
Why three? Well, the reason is simple. It’s the best way to judge the fairness of the dollar amount quoted for the project. Compared among them, the quotes can be judged for their accuracy, thoroughness and fairness.
Just be sure to be consistent in what you’re asking them to quote on. Each contractor should receive the same set of plans or blueprints to quote from, with the same detailed materials lists. It does you no good to have them quote on different things … you’ll lose your ability to compare accurately.
Judging Communications Skills
One final thought. Building is also an exchange of ideas. Communication between you and your contractors is critical. By getting three bids for every phase of your project, you’ll be in a much stronger position to assess the likelihood of getting your ideas across and getting answers to your questions.
Preparation, communication, and consistency make for a better remodeling experience.
