If you’ve ever requested quotes for projects from multiple contractors, you’ve probably noticed that pricing can vary from company to company. Sometimes by as much as thousands of dollars! This is something we are frequently asked about at Contact Renovations and Custom Homes. So, to help you find your way through all of the confusion, we’ve put together this handy guide on what to look for when comparing renovation quotes.
1. Terminology
The first thing to pay attention to is the terminology used in the quote. A good example of how this can vary can be seen when getting a quote on hardwood floors. There are two different kinds of hardwood: solid and engineered. From this, there are many levels of quality within those two categories. So be sure that you get the contractor to clarify and be specific when they give you a quote. (If you’re interested in learning about the difference between solid and engineered hardwood check out this video from our Art of Renovations vlog)
2. Quality of work and materials
The second thing to look for when comparing a renovation quote is the quality of work and materials being used. Once you have the specifics in your quote nailed down, you may want to do some research or ask around about the different qualities of the materials, and how things should be done. For instance, do you know the difference between builder grade and code minimum? Or what the best practices are for getting the job done? If you go into this blind or make assumptions, you open yourself up to all sorts of problems. Make sure that your quote includes the materials and quality of work you are hoping for or you will not be happy, or things could end up worse than what you had before!
3. Execution and Delivery
The third thing you should consider is the execution and delivery of the service included in your quote. There are a lot of things you really need to check out when it comes to this. Does the contractor bring in a cleaning crew afterwards, or do they leave your home covered in dust? Does your contractor have a team? If so, how many people will be working on your project? Are the timelines they have quoted you reasonable given the support they have? Do they have insurance should anything go wrong? These are all things to verify and confirm before agreeing to any contract for a renovation.
We know that this might seem like a lot to wrap your head around. Most of you have probably seen those shows on HGTV about people and their renovation nightmares and the ridiculous amounts of money they paid for poor workmanship using cheap materials. You might even know somebody who went through this.
At Contact Renovations and Custom Homes our quotes always include high quality products and workmanship. Not only that, but we provide our clients with direct access to their project scope/spec and timeline through our project management software, which provides complete transparency and nearly eliminates any surprises.
If you would like to discuss how we can help you create your dream renovation or custom home, we would be happy to hear from you! Contact us at info@contactrenovations.ca or give our office a call at 780-455-4446.
