Create the living space you deserve by seeking multiple contractor bids for your next project.
So you’re searching for a contractor. While you may want to dive right into your home renovation, it’s important to take a step back, do your research, and find the best provider for your needs. This article will outline why you need to shop multiple bids before getting started.
Find the Best Value for Your Renovation
The best deal is almost never the cheapest one. The best value is an entirely different story. Though it may require some time and effort, shopping multiple bids will help you figure out who can offer the best value for the money you’re willing to spend.
The truth is that contractors’ estimates may vary significantly. An expensive bid generally points to quality workmanship, cutting-edge materials, and more bang for your so-called buck. A surprisingly low bid, on the other hand, may indicate the opposite. Comparing estimates will help you make an informed decision.
Get to Know Each Contractor
Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or planning a full home renovation, sourcing multiple estimates will ensure you connect with the right person. This is because every contractor you invite to bid on your project will provide a detailed proposal outlining their:
Approach
Timeline
Material and labor costs
These proposals will give you a sense of each contractor’s expertise in the field. By reaching out to several companies, you’ll get to know different professionals’ communication styles and attention to detail. Remember that a strong connection is more likely to result in a successful renovation.
See What Others Have to Say
It’s easy to skimp on research when you’re only looking at one contractor. However, if you shop bids from a few providers, you’ll be more likely to check references and reviews. This will let you in on each contractor’s reputation and skill. It’ll also help you take a step back before making a major decision.
No matter how talented a contractor may seem, feedback from other clients can give you crucial insights into their process. Plan to take a look at what others have to say about the contractor’s reliability, honesty, and craftsmanship. Do your due diligence to avoid hiring an unqualified contractor. We always recommend reviewing their online reputation and overall feedback.
Encourage Contractor Competition
When contractors know they’re competing for your project, they’re more likely to offer a competitive price and great service. This sense of healthy competition may also help you negotiate better terms. Perhaps most importantly, it will encourage contractors to share more detailed, transparent bids.
Just know that while shopping around can help you from a pricing standpoint, there are many other factors to consider. In most cases, the lowest bid isn’t necessarily the best option. Be sure to review each contractor’s qualifications, licensure, and track record before making your decision.
How Many Contractor Bids Should You Shop?
A good rule of thumb is to shop three bids. If you only look at two contractors, you may not have enough information to make an informed choice. For instance, say you’re gathering estimates for a bathroom remodel. If Contractors A and B submit bids within $15,000 of each other, and Contractor C comes out $60,000 lower, you’ll probably want to avoid working with them. It’s unlikely their level of quality will be on par with the others.
Conversely, if you source four or five estimates, the contractors may not feel motivated enough to submit competitive proposals. Some competition is good, but it shouldn’t be that steep.
So what’s the answer? In our view, shopping three bids is ideal for any sort of remodel project. And no matter where you are in your luxury renovation journey, Streets and Avenues wants to hear from you.
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