Be honest and specific when explaining what renovations you want.
When you need extensive renovations on your house -- even if it's just one room -- it's generally best to contract a professional to do it for you. That being the case, not all professionals are equal, either or price or in quality. It's up to you to multitask and negotiate with several contractors at once. That way, you can make sure you get the best deal possible, while forging a relationship that you can count on should you need more renovations in the future. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Figure out exactly what you want. It's virtually impossible to negotiate renovations and get accurate quotes when you don't have a fully developed concept of what renovations you want done. For example, don't tell a contractor that you want to "fix up our bathroom." Explain in detail where you want the new shower to go, what sort of tile you want for the floor, what kind of hardware you like for the sink and other important aspects of what you want done.
2. Contact at least three different contractors. Lay out your specific wants and needs for your remodeling job, and ask for specific quotes. Don't accept vague estimates -- insist on detailed bids that include quotes for things like labor and supplies. Make sure that you get the brand names for supplies as well -- one contractor might charge the same amount for cheap supplies as another contractor charges for top-quality supplies.
3. Show them the money. Contractors may be willing to shave money off the price if you're willing to start the project immediately and start paying them. Though you pay in installments over the course of the project, the sooner you can start making those payments and start the project, the better. See who is willing to cut you a deal for an immediate start.
4. Compare bids from your contractors, paying special attention to lowball offers. If a contractor offers a particularly low price, ask how and why, as this could be a red flag. For example, the contractor may not be insured or may not insure his workers, or he may be excluding certain costs that he plans to tack on at the project's completion.
5. Check references for your contractors. Ask them for references. If they don't have any, don't waste any more of your time with them. If you aren't sure that you trust their references, check with consumer watchdog sites that track consumer reviews of private businesses. You can even check with the local courthouse for any formal complaints and/or lawsuits filed against the contractor and his subcontractors.
6. Be honest with potential contractors. Let them know that you're shopping around, and explain what you like and dislike about their offers. If they really want the job, they may be willing to make concessions based on what their competitors are offering.
7. Get everything in writing with a full contract. Don't hire a contractor without one. Make sure you get a full, signed contract that details the cost and time frame of the renovation.
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