Guide To Bids/Quotes

This is one of the more frustrating and personal time-consuming aspects of your project!

Every contractor runs his/her business differently and may bid or quote projects differently from other contractors. A bid is a price that should include all aspects of the job and gives you a final cost for the project. This can take weeks to obtain. A quote is a range or ballpark cost that can be given the same day or within a week's time. (A quote should be within 10-15% of the final cost.) Most plans are not detailed enough to provide all the information needed by the contractor for a bid. So start by getting quotes from the contractor.

If you desire a bid, we suggest you give the contractors a list of bidding instructions:

  1. What to include and what not to include in the bid.
  2. The date you prefer to receive the bid back by.
  3. How you would like to have the bid itemized.

For example: Do you want a bottom line price or a line-itemed pricelist.

If guidelines are set for each contractor to follow, it will make it easier for you to compare the bids/quotes and then evaluate them. (Keep your guidelines realistic & simple for better & quicker results).

“Time & Materials” basis. This is where we work for the homeowner on an hourly basis with a certain percentage placed on sub-contractors and materials. Some of our sub-contractors also work in this way helping to save the homeowner thousands of dollars. There are many questions concerning this method and we would be happy to answer them.

If you live in the area, give us a call to get answers to your questions before you start!

Call (650) 368-5021 or Email Us.