3 Foolproof Ways to Get Quotes from Contractors
When it comes to construction projects, dealing with contractors can be tricky. This is especially true if you have a defined need or issue, and tenants and bosses are on your back for results. So with time being of the essence and budget concerns in mind, finding a top-quality contractor to solve your issue at the right price is vital.
If the mere thought of getting quotes from contractors is making you dread the process (or you don’t even know where to start), don’t worry. Here are three foolproof tips that will make getting better-quality quotes from contractors a breeze:
1. Ask yourself what you would want to know?
When faced with the task of getting the right quote, information is essential. Put yourself into the shoes (or boots) of the contractor you’re going to approach. Think to yourself, “What things would I need to know to get the job done properly?”
Inspect your own project from top to bottom, make notes and compile a clear list of questions, answers and requirements. Also, any documentation is helpful, such as blueprints, work order histories etc. As you know, a good structure is built on solid foundations and it’s the same when getting quotes from contractors.
There are several reasons why this step is so important.
First, it will get you thinking like the contractor. You will also more fully understand the current issue, and you’ll have to think about things you wouldn’t have considered before you started. It’s just like that DIY project that takes 6 or 7 trips to Home Depot to get everything you need. You have to keep going back simply because you don’t have the experience, and it is not at the forefront of your mind. (A contractor will only make about 2 trips.)
Secondly, you garner more respect from the contractor when you know your stuff, and they will take you more seriously. Contractors appreciate an informed customer.
Lastly, thinking it through like a contractor will allow you to see how the process will affect the building operations. That is a vital factor because you are the expert on your building.
2. The all-important 2 Q’s: Quantify and Qualify what you want
As much as possible, define your area of concern and ask the contractor to tell you how they would figure out what they need to do to get the job done efficiently. In some cases, a contractor may not be able to give you an exact answer. No problem, this is your response:
“You’ve been doing this for a while, and your company has a good reputation. Just give me your best opinion and outline that in the proposal.”
Some people tend to go the other way with this. They only outline the basics of the problem and only ask about the cost to fix what is wrong. In my opinion, this can lead to several problems:
● If it does not work, you will still need to have the issue remedied.
● This may drive the contractor to try and do more, or they may argue the point. In short, if you want more, you will have to pay more.
● This can be the basis for a bad relationship.
3. Clarify and communicate the goals of the project. Very clearly. Twice.
This is another important step to getting a good quote. You have walked around the site with the contractor and spoken for over an hour about the project, and they seem to get what you are saying. So you think, “We’re good.”
Not so fast. Perspective and knowledge can cause the way either party is viewing the information to be different. Omitting information can also cause a discrepancy in understanding, whether it’s intentional or not. If you have ever had to call a contractor and ask questions about a proposal, then you know what I am talking about.
Most likely, you described what you need and want at the beginning of the meeting. You have to do it again. Sum up what it is you expected and what the outcome of the project is to be, and have the contractor confirm that they understand and can provide those results. I know it seems very redundant. Believe me, you can think you’re on the same page with a contractor, but you need to confirm that this is in fact the case.
There you have it; the three key things to think about when getting good quotes from contractors. Take these steps and you’re sure to get the job done at the right price. After all, success is essential, but so is getting value for your money.
Please feel free to email us with any comments or suggestions. Here at Facility VIP, we want to know what you think.
Below is a real basic RFP sheet for you. It is left in the word document format so you can easily edit the form for your own use.