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Post by beaglemom on Jul 10, 2015 22:52:49 GMT
We have plans for a remodel of our lower level. Re-working two bedrooms. Moving the laundry room, adding a bathroom and gutting and redoing another.
I have the plans and a list of 5-7 contractors that I want to send bids to , but I have no idea how to word the emails.
I am interested in when they can start, budget, and examples of previous work. What else should I be asking about? This is our first home construction project and my inlaws are really the only people that i know that have had stuff done recently and they have gotten screwed and had horrible work done.
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scrapaddie
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,090 
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Post by scrapaddie on Jul 10, 2015 23:11:06 GMT
Budget won't happen until they see what they will be doing. Time and budget should be worked into the contract. Feel free to ask for references. You are not sending bids ( they do that) you are asking for bids.
Check out bbb, angies list, any local review sites... ask friends and ask for references and call them.
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Post by jemali on Jul 11, 2015 0:42:11 GMT
Make sure they are licensed and insured
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Post by mlynn on Jul 11, 2015 0:51:36 GMT
When you get to the point of coming up with a contract, make sure that the contract includes the phrase...time is of the essence. That can become very important later. It gives meaning to the completion date.
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Jul 11, 2015 4:59:27 GMT
Aside from being reliable, our contractor was right on time!
That was important to us because we had to move out and move beck in as soon as we could.
We paid for excellent skilled experienced general contractor, and the sub contractors were completely up to their standards.
This was several years ago (15) and they still send out people when we need extra fixes, but all in all, the house is incredible and we could sell it now for a huge profit!
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Jul 11, 2015 5:00:20 GMT
Aside from being reliable, our contractor was right on time!
That was important to us because we had to move out and move beck in as soon as we could.
We paid for excellent skilled experienced general contractor, and the sub contractors were completely up to their standards.
This was several years ago (15) and they still send out people when we need extra fixes, but all in all, the house is incredible and we could sell it now for a huge profit!
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jul 11, 2015 5:10:49 GMT
After you've done your research about each company I'd start with a phone call. Ask them how they normally proceed. Any contractor I've dealt with wanted to come see the job and talk in person before bidding so they might want to schedule an onsite consultation. That way they can measure and see the true scope of the work.
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scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,139
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Post by scrappington on Jul 11, 2015 11:51:38 GMT
Do you have drawings on what you want.
Availability on ordering product and the lead time on receiving said product is important too.
Permits? Who are getting those? Are they needed?
This all effects the price
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scrappington
Pearl Clutcher
in Canada
Posts: 3,139
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Post by scrappington on Jul 11, 2015 11:56:18 GMT
You need a good general contractor. Because there are a lot of trades involved in what you want to do. Also city inspectors for the plumbing and electrical will depending on your area we have to be called in.
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Post by malibou on Jul 11, 2015 16:16:23 GMT
You will also want to look at each contractors bid line by line to ensure you are comparing apples to apples.
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