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Why You’re Not Finding the Right Contractor

Why You’re Not Finding the Right Contractor

Having trouble finding a contractor who can read your mind, have the lowest price, and provide the best work? Here’s what you’re doing wrong…

You have high expectations

Yes, a contractor with the lowest price in town and the highest quality of work sounds lovely. That is rarely ever the case. You are probably also hoping for someone who’s always on time, always provides the best, most outside of the box ideas, gets the job done on time, and needs no oversight. Keep dreaming. You may be able to find all of these qualities, but you also have to pay for them.

You’re taking the lowest bid

Like in every other industry, you get what you pay for. If you take the lowest bid, you’re also most likely getting lower quality work… and lower priority on your contractor’s list.

You request itemized quotes

Stay away from itemized quotes! BiggerPockets.com says, “Investors love to get itemized lists because they can beat up the contractor on prices. The problem is the contractor will have to lower the prices that are overbid, but he has no way to increase prices that are underbid. Result: The entire project gets underbid, and the contractor is guaranteed to lose money.” –Eric Bowlin | BiggerPockets.com

A good contractor knows business and knows how much their overhead expenses cost. If they are only quoting you item-by-item, they are usually not taking other cost factors into consideration. If the contractor under bids, they are most likely losing money and will probably end up walking off the job.

They’re not an expert in the type of remodel you want

If this contractor has never worked on renovating a kitchen before, you probably don’t want them doing your kitchen remodel. The same is true for other areas of your home.

You didn’t get references

Ask for a list of their past clients who went through and are going through a remodel similar to yours that you can call to speak with. If they don’t give you a list, they don’t get your business. Bonus points if those references will let you come see the finished product!

If you’re unsatisfied with a contractor’s answers to your questions, ask them to clarify. Also realize that you’re working with another human being whose communication style may differ from yours. So, if they cannot adjust how they’re explaining something to you, find another contractor to interview. Effective communication is too important to overlook.

Their interests don’t align with yours

As with communication style, perspectives may differ as well. You want a contractor who’s vision for your remodel fits with yours. Otherwise, it’ll be a constant battle to realign the project to your needs instead of theirs.

For more tips on getting the right remodel team, read here!