Estimates during Option Period

[Terry Hughes]

I have two properties under contact, still in the option period. Have had numerous contractors express interest to come out and estimate work that I need done, only to cancel. I'm getting the impression that saying I am still in option period is scaring people away because they feel it is a waste of their time. However, at the same time, I do not have a week or more to sit and wait for estimates. I'm in the Houston area. Sat on site yesterday waiting for 3 hours for a foundatain guy to show up, despite him telling me earlier he would be there but was running late. Anyone else running into similar problems?

[Bob Okenwa]

@Terry Hughes

I've heard other people experience the same problem. It's best to get multiple bids lined up (at least 3, but in your case I may go to 5 to account for no-shows) and explain that you have a home under contract and need a bid. It's best if you can learn to estimate costs yourself if you haven't already done so in order to save yourself some time and effort of going under contract on a bad deal only to find out during the contingency time that it was a bad deal all along. Are you acting as the GC or are subbing out all the work?