Table of Contents
What are good questions to ask a contractor?
5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor Would You Please Itemize Your Bid? Is Your Bid an Estimate or a Fixed Price? How Long Have You Been Doing Business in This Town? Who Are Your Main Suppliers? I’d Like to Meet the Job Foreman — Can You Take Me to a Project He’s Running.
What should you not say to a contractor?
Seven Things to Never Say to a Contractor Never Tell a Contractor They are the Only One Bidding on the Job. Don’t Tell a Contractor Your Budget. Never Ask a Contractor for a Discount if You Pay Upfront. Don’t Tell a Contractor That You Aren’t in A Hurry. Do Not Let a Contractor Choose the Materials.
What should I expect from a general contractor?
Contractors expect clients to know exactly what they want. In doing so, savvy clients will educate themselves about the general flow of similar construction or remodeling projects, be able to read blueprints, and know how to clearly communicate their needs to the contractor, project manager and subcontractors.
What can you negotiate as a contractor?
How to Negotiate with a Contractor Set the Right Tone. Talk with Previous Clients. Get Multiple Bids. Get Details in Writing. Be Clear About Your Budget. Ask for Help Trimming Costs. Be Creative About Reducing the Price Tag. Know Who to Call if Things Go Sideways.
What is a fun question to ask someone?
List of fun questions to ask What would you name your boat if you had one? What’s the closest thing to real magic? Who is the messiest person you know? What will finally break the internet? What’s the most useless talent you have? What would be on the gag reel of your life? Where is the worst smelling place you’ve been?.
What should I ask an independent contractor?
Bachman suggests independent contract workers ask the following questions. If the firm decides to end my contract early, what is the minimum notice will you commit to provide? What are the payment terms? Will I be required to work a set schedule? Or can I work on my own schedule as long as my work is done on time?.
How do you tell if a contractor is ripping you off?
Here are the 20 signs of a bad contractor, according to the pros: They Don’t Have Good Reviews. They Overcommit to Work. They Lack the Necessary Experience. They Start Work, Disappear, Then Start Again. Their Rates Are Significantly Lower Than Others. They Don’t Get the Right Permits. They Don’t Like Written Agreements.
Should I pay a contractor half up front?
A: It’s not uncommon for contractors to ask for a down payment up front to secure your spot on their schedule or purchase some of the job materials in advance. Asking for more than half of the project cost up front, though, is a big red flag. I recommend tying payments to progress made during the job.
How do you tell a contractor their price is too high?
What to Say When Your Customer Says ‘Your Price is Too High’ “Gosh, I didn’t think it cost this much.” “OK, is there any sort of discount if I pay cash?” “Well, guess I’ll need to wait till next year.” “I’m still waiting on some other estimates.” “That’s quite a bit higher than I thought it would be.”.
What to know before talking to a contractor?
Hiring a contractor checklist Research, research, research. Verify the contractor’s license and insurance. Set a professional tone from the beginning. Consider an emergency fund. Get everything in writing. Be very clear about what you want. Discuss cleanup before work even begins.
How do you deal with a renovation contractor?
7 Ways to Get the Best Work from Your Contractor Avoid Allowances. An allowance is a line item in the contractor’s bid for something that’s yet to be determined. Establish Good Communication. Keep a Project Journal. Track All Changes in Writing. Check the Work. Pay Only for Completed Work. Be a Good Customer.
How do contractors communicate?
5 Tips for Successful Communication With Your Remodeling Explain How a Room is to Be Used. It’s usually not enough to just explain the look you’re trying to achieve. Use Pictures and Writing. Keep a Journal for Your Project. Be Clear About Telling Your Contractor What You Can Afford. Important Additional Warnings.
Do contractors expect you to negotiate?
Many general contractors are willing to negotiate their prices and terms if they’re competing for a job. It is helpful to be up-front with contractors and let them know what you expect from the process: Prepare to answer the contractor’s questions, as this will help craft a more exact estimate.
Should I haggle with a contractor?
A: Yes, you can negotiate with a contractor; the trick is doing it without making it feel like a negotiation. Anytime you’re haggling over someone’s work (versus a mass-produced product like a car or flat-screen television), look for a way to ask for a lower price without any suggestion of insult.
How do you negotiate with a carpenter?
Top Tips for Negotiating with Contractors A budget is your best bet. Exercise your flexibility. The devil is in the details. Get several estimates. Don’t go too cheap. Don’t go too high. Know the price of materials. Break things down.
