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IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE - IT PROBABLY IS!
Consumer advocates say -- if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! This thought is especially valuable when shopping for remodeling services. If you discuss your plans with more than one company, and one is considerably lower, don't assume that low price makes the "best deal".
Getting value for your investment is obviously important. However, there are other things to consider before picking a remodeler. Remodeling firms should be evaluated by past job performance, community reputation, years in the business and financial stability. Information may be obtained through job references, personal on-site visits of previous work, suppliers references, industry associations and the Better Business Bureau.
If you're going to compare investments, be sure you're comparing apples with apples. All estimates should be based on the same products and materials. You cannot productively compare an estimate which includes extra work top-of -the-line and brand name materials with one that is very simple and includes nothing but the basics. In general, if you've given everyone the same information, expect competing estimates to be within 10% of one another. Estimates substantially out of this 10% range, should raise a red flag. This doesn't mean that an estimate should be immediately discounted. It does mean that you should do some thorough research before signing a contract. Here are some ' items' that can distort an estimate.
- The contractor may have incorrectly calculated overhead costs. Such costs include office space/equipment, business insurance, warranties, liability insurance, taxes, workmen's compensation, and other employee benefits. If a contractor does not have the proper insurance, you may be held liable. A very low estimate may be a clue that the contractor is financially unstable, uninsured, or unlicensed. Check for a track record of relocating frequently.
- The contractor may not be accurately reflecting the cost of supplies -- either due to inexperience or on purpose. Be sure the quality and amount of materials is adequate for your job and that everything is included in the price. Material inaccuracies can become unpleasant surprises for your pocketbook when the contractor runs short before finishing the job or does an inadequate job of constructing your project with too few materials. Being nickeled and dimed to death is no bargain. You will wish that you had gone with the company that included everything from the start--even if the price was somewhat higher.
- A small, financially unstable company often relies on juggling a small crew of workers between various jobs using the cash from one to purchase required materials for the next job. At the least, this practice means project delays. At the worst, if their financial situation suddenly worsens, the company may not be able to complete the project -- leaving you high and dry, perhaps even holding the 'bag' of unpaid bills.
- The quality of workmanship may not be of the same caliber as other contractors competing for your contract. A low bidder may not have calculated enough time to do the job correctly. Rushing means poor quality. Inspect previous remodeling jobs. Speak to past customers for feedback.
Ultimately, many of the wonderful qualities that a professional remodeling contractor can bring to the job are intangible. These include excellent service, design creativity, accommodating attitude, knowledge of products, desire for the work, pride in their product, and years of remodeling experience. While these things won't show up in a proposal, they are terribly important in insuring that you end up with a project you love. Those who offer the best in these areas will be priced realistically to include the backup needed to deliver. Choose with care!
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