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jab
Citizen
Username: Jab
Post Number: 539
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 5:53 pm: | 
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I called a few contractors to get bids for a certain project. The second person who looked at the job made marks that show where the work will be done (I said that he could), so now it will be obvious to the contractors who haven't visited yet that I have talked to other people. Is this insulting? Obviously, it is to my best interest. Indeed, the two bids I already have differ by 25% for the same job! |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 698
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 5:58 pm: |
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It's business. Imo, any decent contractor expects a potential client to get multiple bids - it'd be foolish not to. |
Handygirl
Citizen
Username: Handygirl
Post Number: 632
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 6:26 pm: |
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When I replaced our furnace a couple of months ago I got three bids (even though I felt guilty wasting two people's time). The company that I ultimately went with was more than the other two. The company rep was the last to come out and he asked me straight out "how did I do?" (i.e. was my bid competitive). I told him that the other two were lower. He thought about it and reduced his slightly. I ultimately went with him. |
Flik Chik
Citizen
Username: Flikchik
Post Number: 186
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 6:42 pm: |
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NO!!!
The contractors expect it!!
Would you just go for one interview and pin your hopes on getting the job? |
Jgberkeley
Citizen
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 4500
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 6:47 pm: |
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Get as many as you can. Work to keep everyone on track so that you can compare apples to apples.
What I find often is that homeowners will not have a clue as to what they want done, rather a general result.
So when they get bids, each contractor offers a different approach to design and material.
Then I get the call, why are all the prices so different?
So, get all you can and try to keep them all the same.
Later,
George |
Fabulouswalls
Citizen
Username: Fabulouswalls
Post Number: 46
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 6:54 pm: |
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I got three estimates for my roof. |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 35
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 9:04 pm: |
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I suspect that a lot of contractors don't show up after theyv'e made an appointment to look at a job for that very reason. Something in your conversation causes them to label you a "shopper." Once they decide you are trying to get a low bid they assume you will be a problem client. Of course it makes sense to get several bids but try to keep that to yourself. |
upondaroof
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 610
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 9:32 pm: |
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"Something in your conversation causes them to label you a "shopper.""
The biggest turn off to me as a contracor is to return a call and have that potential customer act as if they have no idea who I am and why I'm calling. If you expect to deal with professionals then you must present yourself professionaly as well. Keep your bidder list manageable and make detailed notes of who you called and who you spoke with. The quickest way to get fluffed by a contractor is to say "I called so many people that I forgot who I called." |
jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 371
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 9:58 pm: |
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Also beware this ploy:
The lowest bidder is "surprised" midway through the job and some additional stuff has to be done (which the higher bidders knew/built into the bid.) When you're done, you've paid the same amount as if you'd gone with the higher bid, but you feel snookered. Or worse, hired a guy who didn't really understand the job and didn't realize til it was too late.
Bid amount is not the question. Quote accuracy is.
J.B. |
upondaroof
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 611
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 10:52 pm: |
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"Bid amount is not the question. Quote accuracy is."
AMEN!
Definitely know what you want and make sure that everyone is bidding the same specs. Research the project and if needed, hire a consultant. You wouldn't go to a GM dealer for a guote on a BMW.
It's your money, spend it wisely. |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 36
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 - 6:58 am: |
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I just had a conversation with my electrician who said he took over a job which he quoted 70K for(commercial work). The outfit which wanted the work done said his price was exhorbitant. With further questioning he discovered the previous guy who they said they "let go" actually quit in the middle because he realized his price was way off. Now they are paying more than double to get their business open on time. Some people are not skilled at giving bids for various reasons. Some of the most fabulous work I have had done were done by contractors who couldn't read (only speak)English but were artisans. I would write the bid for them and have them sign it. It made them very loyal to me. Get all the details in writing and remember the contract (not the bid) must have a start and finish date.
Good Luck! |
jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 399
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 11:28 pm: |
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" Some of the most fabulous work I have had done were done by contractors who couldn't read (only speak) English but were artisans. I would write the bid for them and have them sign it."
Who couldn't read...and have them sign it. Is THAT legal?
J.B. |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 46
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 12:08 am: |
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Bids are proposals not contracts. Legality has nothing to do with it. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7078
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 7:12 am: |
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But, somehow, it doesn't quite seem ethical. "Loyal" or "captive"? |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 6084
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 8:11 am: |
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I auditioned 42 woman for the single role in my second film.
Same applies in most businesses. Though I wish when I got a call for an audition that I knew I was one of only 3 or 4 people being brought in.
Get REFERALS and ask to see the work that they have done. |
Gregor Samsa
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 478
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 - 8:32 am: |
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I always tell contractors of any type whether they are to work in my home, or for my business, whatever, that as a matter of procedure I always solicit 3 bids for any project. |
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