5 Things To Know When Working With a Contractor
Home renovation and remodeling work can be intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be!
We are BTC Bob Tedrick Construction, family owned and operated here in Livermore since 2008 — and we’re here to help guide you through the steps of pursuing your home or office renovation with ease and success!
To help, here are a few simple suggestions to ensure a streamlined interaction when you’re considering having work done in or outside your home or commercial space.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW WHEN WORKING WITH A CONTRACTOR
1. All contractors are not created equal!
Some contractors are licensed, some are not. Some are willing to work without permits, some are not. Do your research, ask questions, and remember that you get what you pay for. The most inexpensive choice isn’t always the highest quality, and higher quality work typically isn’t inexpensive. At BTC, our primary focus is delivering a high-quality product we stand behind for years without cutting corners. We find full transparency, honesty and integrity are perfect ingredients for success. We bring Bob’s 45 years of experience and Rob’s 20 years of experience to every project.
2. Comparing cost proposals from multiple contractors.
Each contractor should be estimating your project based on the same components and information provided by you. Differences in materials and techniques can impact price, resulting in a wide variety of total costs. It should be made clear that each contractor propose the same work using the same materials. A project schedule and complete timeline should also accompany their proposal. Be sure to look closely at the proposal you’re given and fully understand what the quote entails.
3. The more information you can provide, the sooner the estimate can be completed and the less surprises you will have when it comes to seeing a cost proposal.
Making a list of the project details is a good start to identifying the project scope. Sending photos of the existing along with inspiration photos of what you hope to achieve can help in communicating your goals to the contractor and solidify your expectations for a realistic budget and timeline.
4. Timelines for projects are estimated.
There are lots of elements that come into play and often factors that are out of the control of the contractor such as delays, availability, delivery of materials, unforeseen structural issues, and even the weather. Taking these realities into account and planning for them will keep expectations realistic.
5. Figure out a ballpark budget before discussing with a contractor
…and you can start to gauge how far your money can go. A typical budget should have a range between two numbers (i.e, $10,000 - $15,000). Price tags or proposals exceeding your budget don’t have to derail your project entirely. Find a contractor you feel you can trust and communicate transparently with. At BTC our goal is to work together to deliver your aesthetic vision within your allotted budget.
