home remodel contractors and the like

ampersat · 01-26-2003, 03:06 PM

hey folks,
i'm looking for someone who can ballpark a few estimates for me. i'm considering remodeling some things on my house and just need off-the-cuff estimate of costs. i promise i won't hold you to anything you tell me when it comes time to get to work. i just need to know roughly what i'm looking at. the stuff ranges from a gut-the-bathroom-and-start-over to bulldozing the converted garage and putting in a two car and living room with fireplace.

RogueFishr · 01-26-2003, 08:06 PM

sounds like what I just did at myhouse. 2 years and 30,000 dollars later. I might be able to help. I took on this project knowing nothing about construction. It was a learning process all the way. I might be able to help a little. Feel free to email me if you want.

RF

Cool Texan · 01-27-2003, 12:19 PM

I had a bathroom remodeled by a contractor...good work, good prices, etc....BUT, he's a typical contractor and was SLOW. Took WAAAAYYYY longer than expected to complete...but we're happy with the work. Email me if you want his information.

Hogmaster · 01-27-2003, 12:32 PM

Amp -

I can tell you it will cost more than you imagine, probably by a factor of two to four. Seriously, at least it was for me.

That being written, I have the name of a really great contractor. I mean it sincerely. 6 months of major remodel, done on time and to budget. And they care. Small enough to be personal, and they pay their subs on time and faithfully, which builds unbelievable loyalty.

Not many will say this about their contractors, but after the total disruption, I consider the two principles of this company my good friends.

Email me if you are interested. They will give you estimates for free, but of course they want to earn the business. If you are just looking for ideas and plan to do it yourself, they aren't the guys to abuse...

Lipripper · 01-27-2003, 12:37 PM

You've got mail! :grin:

Cool Texan · 01-27-2003, 03:05 PM

Get several estimates for the job....and dont pay for any of them. If the guy wants to charge you for one, he isnt hungry enough.

My other rule of thumb...if they drive a very nice truck to my house to give me an estimate, I cant afford them (or rather, I wont pay their price). I like the guy that will bid a reasonable price and drive a P.O.S. to my house. Just have them commit to the completion date with a take down clause on the contract price if the date is missed.

Stz ll · 01-27-2003, 04:20 PM

Ampersat, Check your e-mail

Pete

[ 01-27-2003, 05:27 PM: Message edited by: Stz ll ]

Boedy · 01-27-2003, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cool Texan:
Get several estimates for the job....and dont pay for any of them. If the guy wants to charge you for one, he isnt hungry enough.

My other rule of thumb...if they drive a very nice truck to my house to give me an estimate, I cant afford them (or rather, I wont pay their price). I like the guy that will bid a reasonable price and drive a P.O.S. to my house. Just have them commit to the completion date with a take down clause on the contract price if the date is missed.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Just because someone drives a new truck doesn�t mean they are going to rip you off!

God forbid someone is successful at what they do and are able to afford a new truck.

Jsail · 01-27-2003, 05:06 PM

I've been in the remodel business since the mid 70s. You are starting out on the right foot. Take a look at whats possible for your budget, see if you can save by doing some yourself.
Recomendations are well worth the time and may save some heartache down the road.
If you E-mail me your phone number I will call and see if I can help.

For the guys that are so concerned about time;
If the guys are putting in full days and not taking 2 hour lunches, be happy. Remodeling is not like new construction. Remodeling is the art of transforming one thing into another. If you start with a inferior or odd building then it will take some time to fit the new into it. If you are pushy about the time it takes you won't end up with the same final product. There is always a way to get it done faster, but it propably won't be the same finished product.
Look for a contractor that has recent references. Ask for the names of the last three customers. Ask for the names and phone number of sub-contractors and suppliers. Check with the Contractors Board for suits against the contractors license. You can do it on-line. If you want the number let me know.
If you are going to have your work done by Home Depot or Lowes take a step back and re-think it. The guys that work for them are doing piece work. They make more money by doing the job faster than the estimator figured it would take. You won't have a contractor to hold accountable, you are dealing with a corporation. They won't lose any sleep if you aren't happy. The people that you sign a contract with get paid no matter what.
There are lots of quality minded contractors out there.
I've been licensed since the mid 70s and never had a customer have to file a suit with the Contractors Board.
I'm not alone in this, so don't assume that all contractors are crooks and out to get you. If it takes alittle longer, it may be for a reason.

brshooter · 01-27-2003, 08:52 PM

Check your e-mail. Sent you a couple of names from your area. Guys I would let work on my home.

Cool Texan · 01-27-2003, 09:05 PM

Boedy.... dude, you need to relax more in life. I am not knocking anyone for being successful in life. My point about the truck is that if they drive a P.O.S., it likely means that either:

1) The brand new truck is at home
2) They are not charging top dollar or are independent contractors who dont have the overhead to cover in their prices.

I try to find the ones that fit #2. I'd rather give my money to someone who works for themself, and who isnt funding a nice new truck from my project. They probably wont be the best or fastest contractor, but as I am not in my long term house, so I am looking for good work at low prices.

So....try to relax. I am not ripping on anyone for being successful at what they do. Just making a point that I prefer to find the contractor who will give me a lower rate for the job.

fishchaser · 01-28-2003, 12:33 AM

I cheated and did it myself.

Built a new kitchen (not completely done) Had a friend who was a licenced electrician come in and help me with the electrical, Now we have half the house rewired.

One thing about doing it yourself? You have to live in the dissaray, and dust for long periods of time, because you have other things in the fire (I.E. fishing for springers) [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]