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