Contractor Estimates
I’m wondering what people’s experiences have been negotiating (or not) with contractors. We recently got a couple of estimates for a smallish job and while we feel more enthusiastic about one contractor, he’s not at all flexible on the estimate he gave us. Is negotaiting expected in these situations or is the estimate usually the…
I’m wondering what people’s experiences have been negotiating (or not) with contractors. We recently got a couple of estimates for a smallish job and while we feel more enthusiastic about one contractor, he’s not at all flexible on the estimate he gave us. Is negotaiting expected in these situations or is the estimate usually the best offer?
Sometimes it is a power struggle.If the price is not too high from what you want and his references, licensing and work are good then you can go with him. You also have to feel comfortable.
In this market it’s surprising how many contractors are not negotiating. One guy gave me a quote that was too high and i told him I scaled back the scope because I did want to use him and then asked him to price the new scope accordingly. He then said it would be the same price. I said sayonara.
THen he called me to see if I still needed a contractor- guess the work slowed for him but no way he had his chance.
If he’s not flexible, all other things being equal, it might mean he’s busy, which might mean he’s good. It all comes down to references, seeing the work he’s done, seeing a jobsite he is currently working on, and picking someone reliable who will do what they say the way you want it done, and do it well. Price is just one part of the triangle – good, inexpensive, fast – you can usually have any two, but almost never three at once.
Just because there’s a recession does not mean this guy is hungry…
If the job is smallish maybe you can pay for labor only and ask the contractor to provide a shopping list of material and supplies. If you buy the stuff on your credit or debit card you can return the extra stuff for a refund.
Remember a great deal of stuff (or small quantities) can be delivered overnightfo a small charge. (home depot and lowes.)
there are different types of contractors. Some are like me that we quote well not to have to negotiate, and then some quote to see how much they could get away with. If your quote from this contractor is in the middle of the pack you should go with him because he knows values his work and is probably not trying to get over you.