If you’ve ever had to get a quote for any project in your home, you’ve probably heard that it’s a good idea to get at least three quotes from three different contractors, electricians, plumbers, gardeners, and so on. There’s a reason for that and it goes beyond getting the cheapest price around, although that is what many homeowners are after. There is a lot to be said about working with the cheapest contractor and the most expensive, but getting three quotes is about information gathering. Because an informed homeowner, is a homeowner who can make good choices about how to use their money, how to improve their home and lifestyle, and how to add value where it’s needed most. Let’s dig into the rule of three so you can understand why it’s so important for homeowners to do their homework.
Compare and Contrast
Obviously, one of the main advantages of obtaining more than one quote for any home remodeling project in Seattle, WA means that you can compare and contrast what different construction companies prioritize in their projects. Some companies might focus on the timeline, while others focus on the price. Either way, having your information side-by-side so you can see what is important to your contractors means you can determine where the priorities align with your priorities. If a job needs to be completed quickly, you might rush to pick the contractor that said they could start this week, but a homeowner should always be weary of a working professional who is readily available. Our projects book out weeks and months in advance, and while our clients have to wait in some cases, they know the work we do is worth waiting for.
Inclusions
Of course price is important to homeowners who are looking to invest in a custom home remodel in Seattle, WA, but it’s important to consider what is included in the price. Even if a quote seems reasonable, make sure you break it down and review the inclusions. Always look for contractor rates, sub-contractors rates, timelines, incidentals, and an overage percentage and plan for delays or unexpected issues. The quote should also detail the work to be included and materials. It’s also important to ask about what happens if there are delays, when issues arise, and if there are any materials left over and how the pricing is adjusted. Having more than three quotes lets you see what is common and where the outliers are, how organized your contractors are, and whether or not the information you asked for was included, considered and how it was presented. Always get your quotes in writing.
Questions and Negotiations
As part of the vetting process, make sure you get answers to your questions prior to signing any contract and make sure you are satisfied with the answers you get. If you feel there are any vague responses or if there is anything that is unclear, get clarification. Remember that your quotes are open to negotiation based on your needs and priorities. You might not get everything on your to-do list, but you will be able to get some version of what you want and the more you know going into a contract, the better off you will be.
If you are looking for a quote on your next high-end home renovation in Seattle, WA, contact Eakman Construction.