Tips for Picking a Contractor

[Steve Gress]

With 20 years experience in construction and contracting, I have seen great projects from finish to end, and I have seen atrocious projects that never want to end because the contractors/installers are dragging their feet, or incompetent, wasting thousands of the owners’ hard earned money. I prefer to be on the winning side of projects, allowing me to move on to the next one. 

Here is my 5-step plan for choosing the right contractor:

- ALWAYS get at least 2 estimates! Preferably 3, unless you have used the contractor before.

• Even if you like the 1st Contractor, Get another...this will keep them honest!
• You will gain new & different ideas for the project
• 3 Estimates will give you an idea of the true cost of the job 

- Ask a lot of questions, as if you are interviewing them for a job!

• Why is their cost so high/low?
• What are they thinking for the project?
• Why are they suggesting a particular course of action?

- Do your research!

• Ask for referrals!
• Is the contractor able to complete the project in time?
• What problems in the project pose a challenge?

- Crunch the numbers & data

• Is the lowest bid including all aspects of projects?
• Is the highest bid there because the contractor doesn’t want the job?

- Final Meeting to Pick your Contractor

• Bring all contractors back to the project one last time
• Pick the BEST ONE!!

What do you do to pick the right contractor? I believe this is one of the most important tasks when you’re rehabbing a property!