I’ll admit it, there is occasion when we’re not always the first phone call people make
to check out contractors. There are lots of options out there and people should talk to a few of us to get a good feel of who they think is a good fit to bring their project dreams to reality. Not everyone is perfect for each other no matter what the Google reviews say, and that’s on both sides of this potentially long term relationship.
This however does provide me with an opportunity to again, be witness to one of the biggest mistakes people make when selecting their contractor. It goes something like this. I get the call and we exchange pleasantries, learn a little about the project expectations and hopefully set up an initial meet and greet appointment. The conversation inevitably turns to budget expectations and this is where I’m sometimes perplexed.
“Well, so and so from yada yada contracting said they could do it for x amount of money.” My reply is instantly, “oh, so you have all your plans and specifications done up for us to price out?”
“Well, no. Do I need that? Yada yada contractor gave me a price without that being provided.”
Do you see the problem? If not, then you’re likely to fall victim to this. People are so happy to hear a great price (likely lower than they expected) that they don’t stop to wonder what this price is based on.
What’s going on the floors, what about the doors and hardware, how many lights, how many plugs, how is it heated, what are the plumbing fixtures, etc., etc., etc. My point is that without proper plans and specifications, there is no way anyone can give you a price that means anything. The best you should expect is a ballpark budget range based on the contractor’s experience and historical costing data.
What this should tell you, and the point I’m trying to impress, is that if you are serious about moving forward with your project, and are going to be soliciting multiple bids (which in my opinion is the wrong way to go, but that’s another column) then there is no option but to have proper plans and specifications produced for your project.
This is the cornerstone of any successful project and will allow you, not the contractor, to decide what products and finishes you’re going to get and will allow the contractors to quote effectively in an apples to apples manner.
The other pitfall of not having proper plans produced, is that it leaves you wide open to cost overruns and potential conflicts with the contractor, as there would be no way to enter into a formal project defining contract, which is something you never want to be without.
Stay well everyone. Let’s hope for a lot less snow this year and best wishes for your properly planned projects.