Getting Quotes For Dummies (You’re the Dummy)
We are contractors, and we need to make a living, just like you.
Here are some tips to ensure that you get the right quote as often as possible….(TLDR) skip to the bottom after the big green blurb for the easiest sorting mechanism for success….
As homeowners or commercial building owners, you seek services for your properties. It's impossible to be an expert in every trade, and that goes for us too. Electricians aren't roofing experts, insulators aren't plumbing specialists. While we all know something about other trades, sometimes it's better to stay within our expertise to avoid setting unrealistic expectations.
I spent years in the energy efficiency, insulation, and waterproofing industries. I’ve often heard someone say, “Well my roofer was up here and said I needed to XYZ.” or “My girlfriend’s, uncle-in-laws, dentist’s third cousin is a general contractor’s receptionist said that ABC was the only way to go” Sometimes they were right, but most of the time it was misguided. I am too when I speak outside my wheelhouse!
We only know what we -actually- know. Let’s avoid opinions by bringing in a few folks and letting them earn their paycheck.
Key Considerations When Getting Quotes:
Assessment: Before settling into a solution, ensure you’ve had the entire potential issue looked at. Fixing your pinky toe isn’t a solution if the leg needs to be amputated, and vice versa.
Yes, this might require various contractors. Yes, this might require multiple bids/opinions in each field. It’s not easy, but it takes what it takes.
Systematic Approach: Who offers a comprehensive, systematic solution, not just a product they sell?
HVAC contractors will sell you HVAC, and the same goes for most industries. Products are not solutions! Find people who understand the root cause. Once you’ve found them, you can go back to the amateurs who had a decent price if they happened to be right about a part of the project.
Holistic Advice: Who identifies where they can help but also advises on what other trades might be needed to address core issues?
Look for contractors who suggest looking deeper even if it involves them potentially losing the sale.
Good Business People prioritize finding the BEST solution for their client, even if it means losing immediate business.
They know that their reputation is worth the investment in the long run.
Those are some actionable steps for the informed consumer. Here’s a story because I like stories for stuff like this…
I had a client call me in to evaluate some huge mold and moisture issues in a beautiful country home. They had mold remediation done by a company who said they would also take care of the causal issue (in their case it was air leakage and ventilation problems). They sold them a ~$12,000 remediation (yes it was genuinely necessary and a justified number), as well as a $2500 project to add insulation to the attic (this was far too cheap, and didn’t handle the actual source). In addition, they gave them a 1 year mold-free guarantee! Wow!
They went with the project, cut costs in the wrong area based on 1 opinion….
Now it’s 2 years later. The mold-free guarantee is up. The mold is back.
Not only is it back, but it’s worse than before.
They want me to give them some information that will help them take the folks to court. I read the contract….
Add fiberglass insulation
Air Seal as-needed
Remediate Mold (Mold Free Guarantee for 12 months!)
Total: $14,500
What a garbage contract!! Who signs this?!??? Most of you or else contractors wouldn’t be doing it!
Sure enough, they had air-sealed as they thought was needed (almost not at all). They hadn’t added ventilation at the soffits, gables, or ridge. They hadn’t done a number of things that would prevent the issue from returning in the long term.
The client accepted a contract with no details. Why? Because they were in a rush and didn’t get another opinion. And so they paid to have it remediated again for roughly the same amount, and this time they spent twice as much on the insulate/air seal job to get it done right. In addition, the roof sheathing had to be replaced which meant a new roof entirely.
GET THE DETAILS IN WRITING!!!
Everyone gives the same response generally, “Oh of course! I know that!” And yet I read contract after contract with vague bullshit in the descriptions.
If your contractor can’t give you a written proposal with details, materials, etc….then they can do whatever they want when install time comes. And if there’s an issue, you will be unable to prove they didn’t live up to the vagueries. They’re experts in it.
