Owner's Insights — Hiring Advice

Don't Waste Your Time on 3 Bids

By Jason Brunaugh, Owner · Brunaugh Construction & Design LLC

The general narrative on TV shows and throughout the DIY world is "get multiple quotes for your project" — or "if you don't get 3 quotes you'll be taken advantage of." My experience has led me to recommend a different path.

In residential construction we rarely start with full architectural drawings and a complete bid specification package that can be presented to contractors for true apples-to-apples quotes. Without that level of planning and pre-bid prep, it is very difficult to run a fair and accurate competitive bid process. Instead, we suggest investing your time in these seven steps.

1. Learn the difference between design-build and competitive bid

Get a general knowledge of the two types of contractors, and what the homeowner is responsible for on each path to a finished project.

2. Understand that design, engineering, and planning isn't free

Someone has to perform this work for a project to succeed. Your options:

• Self-perform it — do the planning work yourself before contacting a contractor to quote the project.
• Hire professionals — architects, engineers, consultants, or designers — before contacting a contractor.
• Hire a design-build contractor to perform it. An upfront retainer may be required, but part or all of that fee may be credited toward the construction cost.

3. Interview and meet multiple contractors

During the site visit you'll get to know the contractor and a feel for how they're different. Ask yourself: do I trust this individual and company, and do I want to work with them? Your gut has a lot to say here. Good questions to ask:

• Do you have your own employees, or 1099 field trade workers?
• What do you plan to self-perform, and which subs will work on the project?
• How does your change-order process work — how can the contract amount change?
• Who do I contact if something goes wrong after completion?
• Who will supervise my project — is the person I'm meeting just the salesman, or involved throughout?
• Do you provide a written schedule?
• Will you pull a permit through our building and zoning department?
• How and when do you invoice — and do you provide documentation and lien waivers for payments?

4. Request proof of insurance — a must

General liability and workers' compensation. When it comes to your most valuable asset, verify it.

5. Request referrals from recent clients

Ask for past clients from projects completed within the last 6–12 months, and actually call them.

6. Request a project gallery of similar work

Completed projects similar to the work you're interested in tell you far more than a low number does.

7. Research their reputation

Look through their Google reviews, website, social media pages, and BBB rating. Great contractors have a great reputation in their coverage area.

Then think about what matters most to you: the lowest cost, the quickest completion date, or the highest quality. You rarely get all three — and the contractor who tells you otherwise is the one to be careful with.

Brunaugh Construction & Design LLC · 970 E Ailine Dr, STE A, East Alton, IL 62024 · Serving Jersey, Madison & St. Clair counties, Illinois · brunaughconstructiondesign.com