Negotiating a project bid with contractors
Here are some ideas to get clarity and avoiding some misunderstandings regarding a residential construction bid.
Ask what contractor focused trade magazines they read and what associations and trade show conferences they've attended.
These are where new things are learned. Ask how they save the good advice and educate their crew and subs on best practices.
The following print and on-line publications are full of stories of experienced companies doing things that cause problems and the new techniques that solve the problems and make more attractive projects. You should read the on-line editions too in your planning process too.
Remodeling Magazine - remodeling.hw.net
Custom Builder - CustomBuilderonline.com
HousingZone.com
OldHouseJournal.com
QualifiedRemodeler.com
BuilderOnline.com
Professional Remodeler - ProRemodeler.com
Professional Builder - ProBuilder.com
Fine Home Building - FineHomeBuilding.com
Journal of Light Construction - JLConline.com
AskTheBuilder.com
Contractor Magazine - ContractorMag.com
Most construction job sites and materials management are a mess from beginning to end. Both jobsite safety, materials waste, storage, loss, theft prevention and organization are poorly managed. What is their plan and capability for your project? Take pictures of poor job sites and ask to see their jobs sites, not just finished projects.
What are the price and performance consequences of their workers and subcontractors not living up to the plan and expectations?
This request will surely make some folks not want to deal with you. GOOD! You don’t want them either.
Referrals are not enough. Every project has new workers, different available tools and different expectations based on the profitability of the project.
Too many contractors are poor business people or are having unexpected business problems. As a result they are not paying their suppliers or workers on time and are using the money from one project to solve the problems of other projects or problems. It is important to check the account status and reputation with the suppliers they are going to use and have a plan to make sure your money is going to buy materials for your project.
There are too many supplier lawsuits going after the money from clients because the contractor can’t or won’t pay. What financial resources do they have to if their sub-contractor can’t perform as expected, in the time they are needed to do the work?
I have an extensive list of design possibilities and considerations developed when I was planning my own unique small house.
’ll gladly share it with anyone or see it on my website.
Dave Savage in Atlanta 404 323-8686 Dave@DaveSavage.com DaveSavage.com
Here are some ideas to get clarity and avoiding some misunderstandings regarding a residential construction bid.
Ask what contractor focused trade magazines they read and what associations and trade show conferences they've attended.
These are where new things are learned. Ask how they save the good advice and educate their crew and subs on best practices.
The following print and on-line publications are full of stories of experienced companies doing things that cause problems and the new techniques that solve the problems and make more attractive projects. You should read the on-line editions too in your planning process too.
Remodeling Magazine - remodeling.hw.net
Custom Builder - CustomBuilderonline.com
HousingZone.com
OldHouseJournal.com
QualifiedRemodeler.com
BuilderOnline.com
Professional Remodeler - ProRemodeler.com
Professional Builder - ProBuilder.com
Fine Home Building - FineHomeBuilding.com
Journal of Light Construction - JLConline.com
AskTheBuilder.com
Contractor Magazine - ContractorMag.com
Most construction job sites and materials management are a mess from beginning to end. Both jobsite safety, materials waste, storage, loss, theft prevention and organization are poorly managed. What is their plan and capability for your project? Take pictures of poor job sites and ask to see their jobs sites, not just finished projects.
What are the price and performance consequences of their workers and subcontractors not living up to the plan and expectations?
This request will surely make some folks not want to deal with you. GOOD! You don’t want them either.
Referrals are not enough. Every project has new workers, different available tools and different expectations based on the profitability of the project.
Too many contractors are poor business people or are having unexpected business problems. As a result they are not paying their suppliers or workers on time and are using the money from one project to solve the problems of other projects or problems. It is important to check the account status and reputation with the suppliers they are going to use and have a plan to make sure your money is going to buy materials for your project.
There are too many supplier lawsuits going after the money from clients because the contractor can’t or won’t pay. What financial resources do they have to if their sub-contractor can’t perform as expected, in the time they are needed to do the work?
I have an extensive list of design possibilities and considerations developed when I was planning my own unique small house.
’ll gladly share it with anyone or see it on my website.
Dave Savage in Atlanta 404 323-8686 Dave@DaveSavage.com DaveSavage.com