Reality – when you pick a trusted contractor early on, you get the best price and the most accurate bid compared to finishing your designs for your home, then trying to find a contractor who can build the project on the budget you would like.

 I am not saying you should start building before the designs and budget are finished; that is always a bad idea. I am saying create your dream team from the very beginning. 

Contractor bids are usually higher at the beginning because many variables have not been decided, and the contractor needs to account for this. Especially if you are expecting a certain quality, one of the advantages of bringing a builder in very early on while you’re developing the design is the builder alongside guides you on exactly how to correct your pricing and how he can give you the best quality product. They can guide you to how they like to work and what they feel is most efficient. That way, the design will get done faster and on the budget the first time. If you get a contractor who can understand the look you are after and the budget you want – their input is golden. Designing first, then seeing if you can get it built with your budget may send you right back to the design and early planning stages. All builders will look at the set of plans and have many questions and see gaps, and if these gaps are closed early on, you will have a more streamlined project right on budget!

When comparing contractors, it is never an apple to apples – every contractor will be different – timing, quality of construction, ways of working, etc. For instance, you may be shocked that one contractor’s price is much higher. This may be because he has more experience and has worked in the neighborhood and knows you will probably need all new plumbing because your home is 100 years old, and the other contractor does not know this. One contractor may be picking up his crew at the front of Home Depot, while the other contractor has a trusted, trained crew he has worked with for years. Before blowing off a contractor, enquire and listen to them as they explain their proposal. Dig deep and be clear about all the line items and what they really mean, then choose what is best for you. The lowest bid will not necessarily be the cheapest in the long run – hiring someone who gave the highest bid could save money through their expertise, efficiency, accurate pricing, or knowledge of processes and materials.

Please realize that understanding the cost of construction is not as simple as just getting any contractor to give you an estimate. It depends on your expectations. Contractors have different attitudes about what consists of “good quality” construction. You want a builder who “gets it” They get what you want and are part of the team striving to create your happy home on your budget without any surprises!

Coorie -In!