Proper Etiquette with Contractor
I am new to the dance and I would like to get some advice on what is the proper way to negotiate with a general contracter regarding a big complicated renovation at a house. I saw two contractors so far and one says he needs a minimum of x grand for the bathroom and the…
I am new to the dance and I would like to get some advice on what is the proper way to negotiate with a general contracter regarding a big complicated renovation at a house. I saw two contractors so far and one says he needs a minimum of x grand for the bathroom and the other says he can do it for half that amount. One says he can fix the old hardwood floor and the other says it will look like crap and I should tile it. One says he can paint over the old kitchen formica cabinets and the other says says it will not work. They both have very different opinions and prices about everything. Also, when I asked one to give me a breakdown on the cost of each job he says he can do it all for a certain amount but if I make him break it down it will cost twice the amount. Is this how it works? Is it not proper to expect a price breakdown for each job big to small? Also, they both want the entire job while I feel like farming off some aspects of it to different people if I can get a better quote on windows or floors for instance from someone.
If it’s a ‘big complicated reno’ and you are ‘new to the dance’ you should absolutely get an architect who can draw up the scope of work and put it out for bid. If you think it’s bad now, wait for the work to start.
Don’t forget to make sure your contractor has INSURANCE. Check the Dept. of Consumer Affairs for his license.
As stated above, you should get at least 3 more bids.
I highly recommend Jamal El Natour as a contractor. He is very honest, does great work and will give you an itemized bid. I have recommended him on the forum many times. He has done 3 projects for me and 2 for a friend and we are both pleased.
his email is janancorp1@aol.com
“he can do it all for a certain amount but if I make him break it down it will cost twice the amount.”
This is not a person with whom you want to do business. You’re paying. You get the say on how the bill is arranged. If he can’t break it down, time to find someone else.
“I feel like farming off some aspects of it to different people if I can get a better quote on windows or floors for instance from someone.”
Then that’s what you should do. Ive done much of my home renovations in this manner. Sometimes it takes a little more legwork, but I personally feel more comfortable working this way. There’s no law that says you have to give these guys the whole job, and there are a lot of other contractors in NYC.
Get more contractors to give you bids, and check them all out via Angie’s list (no great shakes, but a few data points there), BBB, and personal and online recommendations. Yes, they should definitely break it down. For many jobs, I have effectively acted as my own contractor, hiring construction/carpentry guys, electrician, my own beloved plumber, and we do finishes ourselves; but for a major piece like a new bathroom or gut-reno kitchen, a good contractor is invaluable. A good one. We had one who got nicknamed Mr. Stupid, and guess what–I would up being the governing intelligence on the job anyway, and still paying the markup for the subbed-out labor. CRITICAL INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE are the only things that make a contractor worth paying for; if he (or she, there must be a female one somewhere) doesn’t have both in spades, you can screw things up and supervise them poorly just as well on your own!
IF THE RENOVATION IS AS COMPLICATED AS IT SOUNDS, YOU MIGHT CONSIDER HIRING AN ARCHITECT. HE OR SHE WILL TAKE THE TIME TO DESIGN A WORKABLE SOLUTION TO YOUR NEEDS AND TASTE, BID THE PROJECT (USUALLY TO 5 CONTRACTORS OR SO, TOSSING OUT THE HIGH AND LOW BIDS) AND SUPERVISE THE CONSTRUCTION.
ITS AN EXTRA COST, FOR SURE, BUT IT MAY BE WORTH YOUR TIME AND SANITY. IT DEPENDS ON THE COMPLEXITY OF YOUR RENOVATION.
Not breaking it down is total bullshit. Each individual room should be broken down by demolition, plumbing, electrical, framing, drywall, finish carpentry, tiling/flooring, painting, etc.
These guys are lazy.
Both sound a bit fishy. Try to get prices from some other ones. There are plenty of good and experienced contractors that have been highly recommended by people here. I think giving one contractor all of the work is not a great idea and you will end up paying less most likely by paying per task to other outsourced people. Contractor will get window and floor guys just like you would and add on a premium for it of course so why not find them yourself.