Construction (contractor) Bidding

[Andre Williams]

I am a complete newbie in this world and am trying to bid for hiring contractors. I need to build an attached garage, roof repair/replacement, open up kitchen, and make two mudrooms. I am using angies list and home advisor to find best deals but I think I need to meet builders and contractors to show the property first.

I am not sure of the overall process for bidding as This is my first.

Should I pay to meet and show them the property in order to get a quotes?

If I like one specific contractor, should I tell other contractors that you are not hired?

Just not sure this entire process. Any comments will be appreciated!

[Greg Dickerson]

@Andre Williams you will need a complete set of plans and specifications to get a thorough estimate so you can compare apples to apples. I prefer Houzz, i'm not a fan of Angies list or Home Advisor. You can google design build remodeling contractors in your area. You should also reach out to your network, talk to realtors and check with your local home builders association. They will have a list of members who do remodeling and design build if you need plans.

Once you have plans and specs you are ready to invite contractors to bid. Make sure to get recent references of completed work, work in progress and ask to visit some current projects. You can tell a lot about a contractor by the way he keeps his job sites. 

After the initial call and introduction you will need to send them the project info in advance of the onsite meeting to review. Meet with them one at a time at the property. Do not invite multiple GC's to meet at the same time. 

Once you meet and review bids you need to select one. It never hurts to send an email thanking the others for their time but you have decided to go with someone else.