How do I tell a contractor I chose someone else?

1. Rip Off the Bandaid. Contractors appreciate hearing back from clients if they’ve submitted a bid but didn’t get the job.
2. Email (Don’t Call)
3. Thank Them for Their Time.
4. Provide Honest Feedback.
5. Stay Positive.
6. Leave the Door Open.

How do I choose between two contractors?

1. Obtain multiple bids.
2. Consider the needs of your specific project.
3. Take note of their communication style.
4. Consider their availability.
5. Check to make sure the contractor is licensed and insured.
6. Meet their team and subcontractors.
7. Check reviews and references.

How do you negotiate with a remodeling contractor?

1. Set the Right Tone.
2. Talk with Previous Clients.
3. Get Multiple Bids.
4. Get Details in Writing.
5. Be Clear About Your Budget.
6. Ask for Help Trimming Costs.
7. Be Creative About Reducing the Price Tag.
8. Know Who to Call if Things Go Sideways.

Are general contractors worth it?

General contractors are often able to get better pricing, both in terms of supplies and labor, especially if it means that a GC will be needing more of both for future projects. When a general contractor is fair and the working experience is a pleasant one, this bodes well for the timely completion of your project.

Why is it so hard to find a good contractor?

Another reason you may have a hard time finding solid contractors is that your interests don’t happen to line up. Most contractors want to provide good quality work that they can be proud of, along with fair wages to support themselves, their family, and their employees.

What should I look for in a renovation contractor?

• Insured and Licensed.
• Offer a Detailed Contract.
• Discuss Guidelines with You.
• Show You Work Samples.
• Reasonable Payment Plan.
• Reputation and Experience.
• References and Good Reviews.

What should you not say to a contractor?

• Never Tell a Contractor They are the Only One Bidding on the Job.
• Don’t Tell a Contractor Your Budget.
• Never Ask a Contractor for a Discount if You Pay Upfront.
• Don’t Tell a Contractor That You Aren’t in A Hurry.
• Do Not Let a Contractor Choose the Materials.

Do contractors expect you to negotiate?

Many general contractors are willing to negotiate their prices and terms if they’re competing for a job. It is helpful to be up-front with contractors and let them know what you expect from the process: Prepare to answer the contractor’s questions, as this will help craft a more exact estimate.

Is it OK to negotiate price with contractor?

A: Yes, you can negotiate with a contractor; the trick is doing it without making it feel like a negotiation. Anytime you’re haggling over someone’s work (versus a mass-produced product like a car or flat-screen television), look for a way to ask for a lower price without any suggestion of insult.

How do you tell if a contractor is ripping you off?

1. They Don’t Have Good Reviews.
2. They Overcommit to Work.
3. They Lack the Necessary Experience.
4. They Start Work, Disappear, Then Start Again.
5. Their Rates Are Significantly Lower Than Others.
6. They Don’t Get the Right Permits.
7. They Don’t Like Written Agreements.

Is it normal to pay a contractor half up front?

The exact deposit amount contractors ask for upfront varies and is especially dependent on the size of the project. For relatively small jobs, like a $16,000 bathroom remodel, contractors may ask for a 50% deposit. For large jobs, like a $100,000 full-home renovation, a 10%–20% deposit is more typical.

How do you politely turn down a contractor?

As far as how to notify a contractor that he or she didn’t get the job, a short handwritten letter, brief email or a quick phone call should suffice. Most contractors appreciate hearing why you didn’t choose them, if you’re comfortable providing that type of feedback.

Is it more prudent to hire contractors or in house?

Depending on your project timeline, you might only need a professional service for a short period of time. In this case, hiring a contractor is almost always ideal, especially if your in-house team doesn’t have the skills or time. They are dedicated to their clients’ needs.

When should you hire a contractor?

You should hire a general contractor if your project… If you are simply having your living room repainted or your shower drain fixed, you do not need to hire a general contractor. If you are having a major renovation done, such as your bathroom, kitchen, or basement, it’s a good idea to invest in a general contractor.

Why do general contractors use subcontractors?

Hiring subcontractors allows your business more flexibility than if you were to hire new, permanent employees. Rather than bringing them on for long term work, you hire the contractors to work on a few short term projects and then part ways. Be forewarned, sometimes they turn into a lifetime business relationship.

How do I interview a contractor?

1. How long have you been in business?
2. Do you have a contracting license and proper insurance?
3. Will you obtain the permits and set up the inspections required?
4. What’s the timeline for the project?
5. What does the payment schedule look like?
6. Is there a dedicated team working on my project?

How do I find a good construction company?

1. Relevant Experience. One of the best markers of future success is past success.
2. Project Team.
3. Testimonials, References, & Reviews.
4. Respect for Your Budget.
5. Their Subcontractors.
6. Licensing, Bonding, & Insurance.
7. Safety.
8. Understanding & Valuing Your Goals.

How do you find a good builder?

1. Find a Builder Working Locally.
2. Get Recommendations From Other Tradespeople.
3. Ask Friends to Recommend a Builder.
4. Always Talk to Previous Customers.
5. Find a Builder Online.
6. Find a Builder Through Your Architect.
7. Ask the Building Inspectors.
8. Beware of ‘Too Good to Be True’ Quotes.

What is the difference between remodeling and renovating?

However, for professionals working in one or more of these industries, these terms actually entail two very different things. Essentially, the difference between them is that a renovation refers to restoring something to a previous state, while a remodel refers to creating something new.

What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring?

• Are you licensed for this type of work?
• Which types of insurance do you carry?
• How many building permits have you obtained in my area over the last two years?
• Can you provide a list of references?
• What is an expected timeline for this project?

How do I choose a renovation company?

1. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!
2. HAVE A CONTRACT IN PLACE.
3. USE A PROFESSIONAL WHO UTILISES LICENCED TRADES.
4. OPEN COMMUNICATION.
5. QUIT WHILE YOU’RE AHEAD (OR NOT TOO FAR BEHIND)

Should you pay a contractor before or after the job is done?

Payment Should Be Tied to Milestones That means that any payment made to the contractor after the initial deposit must be in relation to how much work is completed but always make sure you “hold back” 10% on invoices to be paid at the very end of the job when all items are complete.

Do you give your contractor a key?

You can give a key to the contractor, who can let workers in and lock up. Or you can put the key in a lockbox, allowing each subcontractor access. Or you can decline to give out any keys, and be in charge of letting workers in.

Why are contractors so unreliable?

Contractors are often considered to be unreliable because of the reputation earned from inexperienced or unprofessional craftsmen.

What should a contractors estimate include?

• Job description. Explain the work you’ll be doing.
• Materials and labor. Provide a high-level view of the necessary materials and labor and the costs for each.
• Total cost.
• This is a big one.
• Sales and company contact info.