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. 

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.

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.