Which contractor to pick?
I have come down to two estimates for my garden floor kitchen, dining, laundry and BR gut reno after putting it off for about 4 years. Contractor A is a design build firm that has a good reputation on this site, and Contractor B is a neighborhood contractor that has been used by our neighbors…
I have come down to two estimates for my garden floor kitchen, dining, laundry and BR gut reno after putting it off for about 4 years. Contractor A is a design build firm that has a good reputation on this site, and Contractor B is a neighborhood contractor that has been used by our neighbors and is currently working on a full gut reno on a house across the street. I have been to see his work a few times.
Contractor A is prompt, professional, reliable and thorough, but seems to charge almost twice as much for everything. e.g., the costs of updating the electric are around 12K for contrator A compared to 7K for contractor B. Cost for moving a standard window opening and installing a window in it (labor only) approx. 2K; cost for wainscoting about 30 ft (labor only) 2.5K. However, contractor B is less formal (gives an oral estimate and allows me to get a direct price from the subs), his plumber needs to be chased for estimates, etc. and I imagine the whole process will come up with some hidden costs and headaches, but hopefully they will be minor. I do not think contractor B is dishonest.
In this day and age of declining real estate prices, should I go with A or B? Those of you who have done renos or are in the process, I would love to hear from you.
Sonsackett,
Can I have his name? I am buying a townhouse and it needs work, and I am nervous that I could hire the wrong GC and have lots of problems.
Yes, I do have a quote from contractor C which is closer to A. Thanks for reminding me. And thanks everyone for the advice.
5onsackett…, when after you have moved in and you feel your job is complete and all items on your punchlist met, please do come back and share your wonderful resourse! Maybe even some pics too!
Congratulations on the baby!
I chose contractor B… got a good price, but regretted it. Everything was a hassle, took forever, and got messed up. Really though, my contractor was more like contractor C.
why not get an estimate from contractor C? if it’s close to what A offered, you have some confirmation that the price is reasonable, and that there’s something fishy about B’s low quote.
Perhaps a little more negotiation with A to bring the price down just a bit, explaining that you have recieved other bids from recommended GCs.
Otherwise, if you can pay for A, go with A. If you have time to spend and some aspirin, go with B.
Thanks all. You make some great and helpful points. Mrs. Limestone, we can afford contractor A, but we’d also like to save the $ if it is worth it.
What do you all think of some of the costs I quoted in my original message? They initially seemed a little outrageous to me.
To answer 11:35 ‘s question. The neighbors have moved out, they are preparing the building as a rental. But, the other neighbor who used this contractor and also the guy who did my fireplace felt contractor B was quite good. He’s an elderly man from the neighborhood and people seem to know him.
hey 9:57. fuck you. I am not an idiot and my post was at 7:24 not 7:42., idiot..
Not everyone has $400K for their renovation.. And actually, I learned a hell of a lot along the way which will come in handy for future reno’s… I agree it’s n ot for everyone, but the OP was asking opinions and he is entitled to hearing various POV. I look back on my expresince as exhausting but rewarding and a success.
Curious to hear what your neighbors across the street say. I agree with the posts who recommend going with A, however, that decision is based on the simple adage you get what you pay for. I have personally gotten great work from folks who are ‘informal’ and the same level of great work from those who are ‘formal’ at twice the price. See how the gut reno is going across the street. You’ve got your answer if your neighbors throw up red flags.