ᐅ How do you choose contractors, and do you obtain multiple quotes or bids?
Created on: 3 Dec 2021 16:42
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HubiTrubi40
I have a general question. How do you usually choose a tradesperson? Do you request multiple quotes? I already have a tradesperson for installing the parquet/vinyl flooring. However, he has not given me a firm quote yet, only an estimate; the exact offer will come in 1–2 weeks. He has already measured and inspected everything on-site. I asked for another quote, and this tradesperson also said he needs to see the situation in person first. I understand that, as it’s difficult to provide a quote without seeing the site. But scheduling an on-site visit doesn’t commit you to anything, right? I once asked for a price per square meter, but they said that only works if you consider the overall context. I don’t mind that, but having to schedule an on-site visit with each tradesperson is time-consuming for both parties, and eventually, you have to decline one of them.
At the moment, I have a “generalist” who can do everything but also cooperates with specialists, and I’m also requesting a quote from a master craftsman business. Interestingly, the master craftsman seemed cheaper at first glance. However, the generalist set a higher price (according to him), while the master craftsman initially made the offer assuming the subfloor is in good condition.
At the moment, I have a “generalist” who can do everything but also cooperates with specialists, and I’m also requesting a quote from a master craftsman business. Interestingly, the master craftsman seemed cheaper at first glance. However, the generalist set a higher price (according to him), while the master craftsman initially made the offer assuming the subfloor is in good condition.
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HilfeHilfe4 Dec 2021 06:25I would always choose the one who takes the time to visit the site in person and provides you with a good offer. Offers from a distance are not reliable. It always ends up being more expensive.
If you have a clearly structured quote, you can remove the text blocks and forward it to other companies. It is important to contact them by phone beforehand and coordinate. Either they will come promptly to measure and calculate themselves, not come and use your template, or they have no interest.
Pure email inquiries tend to be ignored…
Pure email inquiries tend to be ignored…
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hampshire4 Dec 2021 16:14HubiTrubi40 schrieb:
How do you choose a contractor, or do you request multiple quotes? Here are our criteria – although not all can always be met:
1. Local, near the construction site
2. Engaged in the community – values their good reputation and is recommended locally
3. Obviously enjoys their work and loves their trade
4. Maintains good communication with employees, positive company culture
5. Straightforward and clear in communication
6. Interested in my project, not just the money it brings
7. Personal rapport
I am willing to pay for quality. I only review the quote for plausibility, and if the contractor is a bit more expensive, that’s okay.
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HubiTrubi407 Dec 2021 08:00hampshire schrieb:
Is genuinely interested in my project and not just the money it will bringYes, I also think that is very important. That’s what I like about the all-rounder. He doesn’t just focus on the floors, for example, but looks at the project as a whole. That’s why he also wants to replace or clean things like the doors or the yellowed sockets. I’m curious to see the final offer. What bothered me was that the price kept increasing since the first discussion. So now I have scheduled a site visit with another floor installer/painter, at least to have a comparison and not to be reliant on just one tradesperson in the end.
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hampshire7 Dec 2021 09:23HubiTrubi40 schrieb:
What bothered me was that it got more expensive after every meeting since the first one. Talk to him about this impression and express your concern about your budget.
There are more reasons than just profit optimization why such projects often become more expensive from meeting to meeting. For example, new aspects may arise that were unclear before, or the client’s requirements might change—whether explicitly or implicitly.
Investigate the process and, based on your assessment of the underlying cause, decide how to proceed.