5 Pointers For Negotiating With A Contractor, gathered in one list
A while back we promised you folks a primer in contractor negotiation, so here it is. It is truly not hard to master at all, especially since getting more than a few estimates is a strong way to practice your new found skills (and score an even better deal while you are at it). So sit back and practice your game face while we run through a few of our tried and true tricks for dealing with anyone from electricians to floor refinishers and beyond.
1. There is safety in numbers. The more experts and specialists that you talk to, the more you will learn about the impending job (you will begin to see the steps it will take, the materials it will call for, etc) so by the time you get a third or forth estimate for one specific project, you will speak so knowingly about what it entails that you are sure to get a much fairer deal. We in fact notice that our third and forth estimates are nearly consistently a few hundred dollars lower because we are so confident about the subject at that point (and we are not afraid to mention that we have already gotten a few estimates)- which consistently helps get people down to their bottom line.
2. Cheaper is not consistently better. Of course there are people who will do something cheaply and then there are people who will do something well. Sometimes those two things overlap, which is strong, but never be afraid to go for the slightly more pricey estimate if you feel uncomfortable with the level of expertise that the cheapest contractors are bringing to the table. When it came to finding an electrician to add a few recessed lights in the kitchen, we went with the least pricey licensed contractor (who in fact happened to be the second cheapest estimate since one guy was not licensed, which was not a risk we were willing to take).
3. But the most pricey is typically not better either. We have never gone with the most pricey estimate. Ever. Not when it came to paving our driveway or relaying our back patio. Not for our kitchen renovation or our radon mitigation system. Not for our tree removal, not for our new floor installation. Never. After many (many many many) experiences interviewing potential candidates to work on our home, we have learned that the most pricey estimates are typically from people who are no more expert than any of the rest (and frequently times are less experienced so they up their fee since the job will take them longer due to lack of knowledge and expertise). For example, when it came to relaying our patio, the most pricey estimate was from a guy who hoped to duplicate our boring square patio (and kept trying to up-sell us with mentions of stone walls) while the much less pricey (and more creative) stoneworker suggested a curvy and organic shape that was a lot less money AND a lot easier on the eyes. The more estimates you get, the more ideas you can mull over for the ultimate outcome that you are sure to enjoy. And you will be surprised to notice that frequently the least pricey solution is also the most creative and current (sure to add a lot more value to your home than an outdated and pricey technique or idea).
4. It never hurts to ask. We rarely go with any of the numbers that people first spit out, because we consistently ask people one plain thing: “can you do any better?”. It is kindly delivered in a friendly tone with a smile (we do not believe in pretending to be tough, we have learned that you catch more flies with honey…). And the usual reaction is that the contractor will come down. Not way down, but somewhat lower than the original quote, which is truly remarkable when you think that all it took were five little words to score a pleasant 10%-ish discount to seal the deal.
5. Beg, barter and deal. Sometimes you can score an even lower estimate by mentioning something that may be simply as valueable to your contractor as cold hard cash. For example when we had a tree guy come cut down about a billion big trees that hid our house from the curb, we convinced him to dole out a hefty discount by promising to give his name to all the neighbors who happened by afterwards to tell us that our front yard was looking strong. We ended up handing out his business cards to score him at least five other jobs in the neighborhood, which certainly made his discounted rate to us worthwhile to him.
That about does it for our primer in negotiating a good deal. When it comes to your home, remember that finding someone who does something safely (and correctly) is certainly the most essential thing. But it is pleasant to know that you do not have to pay an arm and a leg when it comes to hunting down the right man (or woman) for the job. Especially in this economy where everyone’s cutting prices and throwing in free services simply to score some much-coveted work. Glad haggling!
