Estimating a Project

There are many "contractors" out there but wise people go with the ones who licensed. This is the standard case unless you have a small job like hanging a door which can require the services of a handyman. (But you must be careful who you hire here, as well, or your door may not close after a couple of months)

Estimators or estimating contractors usually give free estimates. The term "usually" is in effect if the job is way out in the country and it takes $100 worth of gas to get there and back. They will give an estimate based on what you want and what it will take their company to give you what you want. In some cases you will gain valuable knowledge just listening to them as they survey the project firsthand.

What you need to do to get a fair estimate is give them all a level playing field. In other words get all the details down on paper - graph paper for diagrams. Make sure the measurements are accurate, although the estimator will take them as well. In this way when you get 3-4 estimates they will be based on the same information and you will get the core of a fair market value for the job.

Note: Don't go whole hog and get 5 or more estimates. Estimators are busy people and it is wasting their time when they have to up against 4 or more others. In addition, it is hard enough to keep 4 estimates in your mind let alone 5, 6 or 7.

Now, for your own good and that of the contractor, get everything down on paper from the start date to the expected end date, clean-up, etc. And never give more than 1/3 of the cost upfront. It's human nature: the more you pay the more you can get shoved aside so the crews can work on other jobs. You become a filler.

Good contractors with a healthy business will not act this way but always hedge your bets.

One more thing: Don't keep changing your mind during the project. "Freeze the blueprints" and let them do the job.