I hear so many complaints that contractors won�t even call people
back or show up to estimate a job, much less complete it on time. Yet very
often after I have given a prompt estimate to a customer, I wait weeks and
even months for them to get a competitive estimate. There is no excuse for
not being able to meet with you in a reasonable amount of time:
It can mean the contractor is not all that interested in doing the work,
and will probably overcharge enough to make it worth his time. Many
homebuilders are guilty of this on smaller projects.
It can mean the contractor is so busy that he doesn�t have the time, but
if he doesn�t have the time to meet, he will not be getting to your
project in a timely fashion.
It can mean he just isn�t the type to care about your time and is a bad
choice as well.
It also goes without saying that the estimate should follow in a
reasonable amount of time that is agreed upon in advance.
Try to have plenty of time set aside, and try to have the kids occupied
somewhere else if possible. Good communication is essential to a smooth
relationship. If possible your spouse should be there, repeating things only
diminishes the communication process and there is no substitute for a second
opinion, especially when it comes to judging the character of someone else.
Have copies of your sketches, drawings, specifications and pictures
that can be given to the contractor permanently. They will be invaluable to
getting estimates that are accurate and comparable in scope to competing
estimates.
Explain in as much detail as possible what you want and how you will
be using the area. Frequent use may call for heavier duty materials. Also
explain your taste and budgetary preferences. Notice if the contractor is
listening closely to what you are saying. Many contractors will attempt to
convince you to do things differently for many reasons, some are in your
best interest, some are not. Some people only want or only can do things a
certain way. You want a contractor that you can trust to accommodate your
needs and your interests. No matter what the cost, if you don�t feel
comfortable with someone, you�re safer to find someone else.
Discuss things that you may want to consider as options. Since you
don�t know exactly what the cost will be, be flexible about some things if
you can. Don�t expect every little item broken down separately though, it�s
just not possible.
A note on quality: In my experience, you can�t bribe, coerce, manage
or force someone to do quality work. Most people seem to do the same
quality no matter what the pay. It is a matter of how much pride someone
takes in their work. The only things that seem to help are praise,
appreciation, and respect.
Once the contractor has all the information he needs and you have
evaluated him as much as possible, set a reasonable expectation of when you
will receive an estimate and what his schedule looks like. Do not succumb to
the �One time good deal, take it or leave it, today only special.� You are not
buying a used car at this point, don�t act like it.
Definitely call some references for each contractor, you may want to
actually see some of their work if at all possible. Things to ask about are: did
they start and finish the job in a timely manner, did the do what they said
they would, were there any surprises, would they use them again, why did
they choose this contractor over others?