Two Hammers

I am collecting ten bids, do you want to come take a look?  Yeah, Mrs. Jones – I’ll be right there!  It takes a great deal of time and energy to accurately bid a job, so, most reputable remodeling contractors are not going to be very interested.  I am not suggesting not getting multiple bids, however, apples to apples bidding needs to be done with your short list of contractors, from a common set of plans.  All too often the same project with the same materials is not being bid.  Are you getting what you think you are from the low bidder, and is there a perfectly good reason the other guy is higher?

My preferred approach is:

1- An initial discussion with the remodeling contractor to see if things click (Remember, you are going to be dealing with this individual on a very personal basis for potentially a long time.)

2- Discuss the project, is this the right company for your project.

3- Discuss the budget.  Most remodeling contractors can give you a reasonable assessment of what can be done with the available budget.

4- Draw up plans.  This part is going to start to cost.  So engage a third party for your design work which can be used for your bid request to your short list of contractors.  Or,

5- Go with the contractor that you liked, whom seemed reasonable during the budget discussion.  Engage them to draw up a design and submit a bid.  If it is close to your budget discussions you there. 

Most remodeling contractors are going to cluster pretty close on price for the exact same project.  Rarely is a reputable remodeling contractor in business long charging an unfairly high price for his services. So, the low guy missed something in the bid to become the low bidder, which means that they will be trying to make up lost money on your project. 

This year it is all about green and blue.  The Marie Antoinette rich jewel colors of the last several years are over.  The slow down in the economy is promoting feelings of austerity, and a need for comfort and security in the home.  Thus, look to the earth tones, greens, and blues for common areas in the home, such as, the kitchen and living room.  The young children’s rooms still need to be fun with the popsicle and candy colors.  Sunny yellows and comfortable sage are still good choices for the master suite.  And for goodness sakes stop using Swiss coffee.

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I met with two contractors the other day; one said that he was having his worst month ever, the other claimed to be having his best.  The worst ever contractor I can relate with, and his sentiments are being echoed by most of my other colleagues.  However, the contractor claiming his best month ever captured my attention.  Naturally the question – How did you do it? – was raised.  The contractor stated that most of his business was coming from the yellow pages.  Oh, the online directories directing customers to your website?  No, he replied, the printed yellow pages.

My embrace of new technologies, and my Chinese internet directory listing are not going to be my savoir?  My fellow contractor explained that customers surf the internet for information and ideas; yet still turn to the printed yellow pages to buy.

This shook me down to my typing calloused fingertips.  Is reliance upon the “new media” going to be the final nail?

Diamond Cabinets has announced 3 new finishes and new cabinet types for 2008.  The Palomino Glaze is a light brown with an espresso glaze, creating a warm comfortable feel.  There are also new offerings for the home office in the Diamond Cabinets line.  Check out the details at Glass Creek’s website:

Diamond Cabinets new finishes for 2008

The knee jerk reaction from the subprime debacle is in full swing; putting homeowners in a wait and see mode.  As such, there are not many larger projects entering the pipeline.  This is going to make for a slow first quarter.  As homeowners start to settle down about the beginning of the second quarter, and realize that they still have a lot of equity in their homes, interest in remodeling should pickup.  Unfortunatel, with the long lead times to get remodeling projects off the ground, there will not be a substantial pickup in work until the start of the third quarter.

In the interim, homeowners afraid to enter the housing market, still have a strong interest in sprucing up their homes.  As a result there should be a shift from large remodels to more modest face lift type projects and maintenance driven projects.  In contractor terms – here come the powder room remodels.

The Writer’s Guild of America strike  has been a major boost for blogging.  With nothing but reruns to watch on late night tv; what else does a body have to do but blog.

Homeowners – Are you looking for a reputable remodeling contractor?

Glass Creek Inc. – remodeling contractors.

We will work with you to design your project using state of the art computer design software, then build it to meet your expectations. Kitchen and bath remodeling is our specialty. We can supply manufactured cabinets by Diamond or Decora, or build custom cabinets to your specifications. Check out Glass Creek’s website at www.glasscreek.com.

Lately in southern California there has been a slow down in the housing market. One might even argue, a necessary slow down in an over heated market. What has this done to the remodeling market? Not much; homeowners are still remodeling. Though the dollar value per project has decreased, homeowners still want to fluff the feathers in the nest.

So why are remodeling contractors starting to cry about the lack of business. Well, it is the competition; competition from the “new home builders” entering the market. Their market has all but dried up, and I guess that even “trackies” have to eat. So, they migrate to where the work is. And swinging a hammer is swinging a hammer. Except, remodeling is a different business from ground up construction; there is usually a family living in the house, customers have different expectations, and there is a different set of pitfalls.

Customers and contractors be aware. Would you go to an optometrist to get your teeth cleaned? Contractors – let us not add to our already dismal reputation.

So, you want to be a contractor. What else do you do when the economy is tough and nobody wants to pay for your talents? All that it takes is a cell phone, business cards, a pickup truck, and two hammers. As I reflect back upon this never ending adventure; what did it take to get started? Well, guys here it is:

Get a license; you ain’t no contractor without a license. A license is like a college degree, it does not mean that you can do anything, it only means that you have done something. It is that pseudo credential which you need for that all important credibility factor.

Get insurance, not a lot, just enough to cover yourself. Accidents do happen. And a large loss is a rough way to start a business. At the minimum get some liability and workman’s comp ( I hate to even type that word, it will be a good future rant.) Savvy customers actually ask for insurance certificates, and as of late, it is becoming more common. Another plus for the credibility factor.

Next, get a job. I have not tried standing out in front of Home Depot yet, although I have given it serious consideration. And if this current trend continues I just may be doing it by years end. Seriously, I would start with the friends and family circuit, it can give you good exposure to the neighbors for your next job. However, wean yourself off of them as soon as you can. Though easy to get they are tough and unprofitable.

A lot of wasted years later, several trucks, and more tools than a man should have; I can not remember all of the happy customers, employees, or subcontractors. However, I remember that one customer which I managed to piss off.

I also still carry those first two hammers.