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Construction Contractor Bids
How to Get Accurate Construction Contractor
Bids
By: Mark J. Donovan
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Getting accurate construction
contractor bids is never an easy process. Construction contractors typically
like to do their own thing and provide as little information as possible on a
job quote. Do not accept verbal construction contractor bids or construction
bids that look like they were generated on a napkin.
One way to help obtain accurate
construction contractor bids is to provide each bidding construction contractor
with a complete set of drawings of your home addition or new home construction
project.
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With a complete set of drawings
there is no excuse not to receive a fully fleshed out contractor bid. If the
construction bid comes back as a one page bid, move on to other construction
contractor proposals.
Another key item to avoid when
getting construction contractor bids is contractor allowances. A contractor
allowance is a sum of money that is reserved for a particular portion of the
home construction project. For example, a common contractor allowance is for
kitchen cabinets. |
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Other types of contractor allowances include lighting, plumbing fixtures,
flooring, appliances and landscaping. The use of contractor allowances
frequently winds up short changing the homeowner with low quality products, as
the reserved money is never enough for the project. You can avoid receiving
contractor allowances from contractor bids by making sure you specify every key
finished feature in, and around the home.
When tackling a large home addition
or new home construction project, make sure the general contractor itemizes each
phase of the project in the construction contractor bid.
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This way you can compare costs easier
for each phase of the project and make sure nothing has been left out.
Make sure the construction contractor
bid also includes a copy of the contractor’s workman’s compensation papers and
liability insurance policy. If these items are lacking in the contractor bid,
move on to another general contractor, or subcontractors.
Finally, make sure the construction
contractor bid includes a complete and thorough build schedule, with expected
start and stop dates for each phase of the project.
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To help in obtaining accurate and
consistent home construction contractor bids, see my
Home
Addition Bid Sheets. Each bid sheet includes a separate request
for quote section that you can provide to prospective home building contractors.
They also include a comprehensive cost breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel
format, that allows the home construction contractor to include his projected
home construction costs for every phase of the project.
With these simple tips, you should be
able to obtain accurate construction contractor bids.
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How to Finance your Home Remodeling Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
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