Aside from very minor fixes (replacing a lock, unclogging a toilet, installing a light fixture), reputable contractors should schedule an appointment with you in person in order to see where the work is to be done, assess any obstacles, and ask you questions and get detailed specs in order to prepare an accurate estimate. Just like getting a second opinion from a doctor when there’s a serious diagnosis, if you’re project is fairly substantial, it’s a good idea to get more than one bid to make sure you’re getting the best price. To compare estimates:

1. Get it in writing. Verbal bids are fine for a ballpark estimate, but it is important to get a written estimate before commencing work in order to ensure everyone is on the same page and there is a document that can be referred to later to keep the budget on track.
2. Make sure it’s inclusive. The bid should include both time for labor as well as materials costs. If materials costs are not included, it should very clearly state that, and ideally, provide a range of expected cost for materials.
3. Make sure it’s specific. The bid should clearly articulate the work to be completed, not simply say “kitchen remodel”, but rather exactly what is being done, such as, “Tear out existing cabinets, counters, and flooring. Recycle/dispose of old materials. Install new granite counters, 6×6 ceramic tile backsplash, cherry wood cabinets, and slate flooring. Patch drywall and touch-up paint as needed.” Estimates should be explicit, you don’t want to find out after the fact that demolition wasn’t included, or dump fees were assumed to be paid by you.
4. Make sure time for completion is specified. This doesn’t have to be a precise number of days, but there should at least be a range. When days are indicated, this should be counted as business days, rather than actual calendar days. Contractors have weekends/time off too.  Some contractors can be flexible and work straight through if you have specific needs/requirements, as long as you’re clear about this up front.
5. Read the disclaimer and understand the potential for unforeseen costs. Sometimes in the process of doing remodel work, serious damage is discovered that was not visible when the job was estimated, such as water damage behind cabinets or underneath flooring. There is no way to know this prior to beginning a job, so a reputable contractor will always stipulate that the estimate may have to be revised if there any damage is found that necessitates repair before completing the job. If damage is found, a revised estimate or second estimate should be prepared by the contractor to factor in this additional work.

All these are just basic parameters for reviewing and comparing estimates. The best advice, however, is to go with your instinct. Are your calls promptly returned, or does it take days and days before you get a response?  Did they show up on time for your scheduled appointment or keep you waiting?  Were they courteous, friendly and professional?  Did they ask lots of detailed questions and listen to your requests and needs?  Did they happily answer all of your questions, or seem irritated or distracted?  If you get an uneasy feeling, trust that feeling and continue your search.  This is a person you are inviting into your home, who could be spending several days, weeks or months (depending on the scale of the project) there – you should feel at ease and comfortable with them from the start.

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