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August 27, 2007
How Far in Advance Should I Schedule Contractor Estimates?
I just bought my first place, so I'm new at all of this.
First order of business is refinishing the floors. If I want contractors to come give me estimates, say around September 5, how far in advance should I call them to schedule an appointment to get an estimate?
Also, how soon after giving me an estimate should the contractor be able to start the job?
I'm trying to get a realistic sense of timelines here so that I'm not asking contractors for the impossible.
Comments
I don't know your set-up but refinishing floors should not necessarily be the first order of business. I suppose it depends on what else if anything you are doing there.
Timelines to start depend on the contractor. I could estimate your project today and start in a couple of days. There really isn't a rule of thumb. Somebody else might be a lot busier.
Do let me know.
John.
BAYRIDGEBUILDERS@aol.com
Posted by: guest at August 27, 2007 1:07 PM
Thanks John. As an fyi for readers, the apt is in good shape. The floors need refinishing and the walls need a fresh coat of paint, but that's it. Starting with the floors should be ok, I think.
Posted by: azul at August 27, 2007 2:24 PM
We started getting estimates a few months before we wanted the job to start. We did a round, did some more research, and then did another round in May for a job we wanted to start in late June/early July. Chose the contractor we liked best, not lowest bid, and job didn't start till end of August because of his schedule, board approvals, etc.
Posted by: linkinplace at August 27, 2007 3:15 PM
Most contractors can deal with a two week advance notice to start working, so if you want to be able to compare bids, then I would say start 1 month in advance to get estimates.
Posted by: guest at August 28, 2007 1:26 PM
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