Compare Remodeling Proposals

You should have received written proposals from at least two contractors to make a value comparison between competing bids.

I received an email from a homeowner asking me to compare two proposals. The proposals were from two contractors they had contacted about adding an addition to their home.

An excerpt from the email:

"I have purchased your online book "How to Plan, Design, Complete a Room Addition", and I enjoyed reading it very much and trying to learn as much as I can to educate myself. We are planning to add an addition as guest room with bathroom and extend our current office as well.

The attached is the proposals from two of the contractors we have contacted. and as you can tell, there is a huge difference on the prices. Since you are the expert, I thought to have you take a look first and give us some feedback about what you think of these proposals.

Thanks again for your book and help in advance, we have wanted this addition for a long time, hopefully with your guidance we will make it happen without spending a huge amount of money.

Regards,
L.V.

Attached to the email were copies of each proposal. One contractors cost was $50,500. The second was $99,950. A difference of $49,450 for the same job?

Whoa! Something is wrong here!

I have preached over & over to homeowners that when there is a large discrepancy there is a problem. Someone is not on the same page or you are about to be robbed.

As much as you want to believe the ridiculously lower price is real, it is not. Almost always you are getting two different jobs from the two contractors. From the low bid you will usually get a minimal job (or in some cases no job, they just take your deposit & disappear) & from the high bid a quality job. If you want a minimal job, then that's ok, but you must be aware of what you are receiving, or more importantly, not receiving. Otherwise, after spending a bunch of money, you are going to be disappointed & not receive what you thought you bargained for.

Question- But why the discrepancy when you told each contractor the same details?

Answer: You didn't give them the same details. You just thought you did.

Yes, I know you thought you did but here's what happens. Contractors are not psychics so they cannot read your mind. That's why the good contractor asked all those questions about the details. Or should have. If the contractor didn't ask a lot of questions then you can be sure he is going to give you a minimum of everything the building department forces him to give you. Not a 2X4 more than minimum.

Many times you are going to get robbed. Either the minimum bid is too low or the high bid is too high.

There are no magicians in the contracting business. You can't get something for nothing. You may like to think you got that free window air conditioner & free carpeting for nothing. But you knew the cost was hidden in the overall price......didn't you?

Back to those two proposals: I took a look and easily found 20+ items included in the high proposal & not included in the low proposal. These were not small low cost items, here's just two examples copied from the proposals:

Low bidder

HVAC - Price includes tie into existing ductwork to addition and supply and install new 1500 Master Cool evaporative cooler.

High bidder

* HEATING/AIRCONDITIONING;

Install a new 2 ton heating and air conditioning system (Fifteen seer with gas furnace); Includes supply & installation of all required ducts, diffusers and thermostat (programmable); Re-locate one existing condenser; Install additional ductwork/diffuser into the front addition; Install one exhaust fan.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Low bidder 

Electrical

Bedroom – to have 7 outlets, 2 standard switches, 1 cable outlet 1 braced ceiling fan outlet

(Customer to supply fans, contractor will install)

Bathroom – to have 2 standard switches, 3 -6” can lights, 1 GFI outlet and 1 exhaust fan

Foyer to have 1 6” can lights with 1 convenience outlet and 1 – standard switch

1 exterior light at back door ($20.00 allowance) with standard switch

High Bidder

* ELECTRICAL;

Install 13 can lights, 9 switches, 16 outlets, 3 GFCI outlets, 2 ceiling fans, 2 surface mount fixtures and 2 smoke detectors; Rewire the relocated condenser; Wire the new air handler and AC condenser; Run separate circuits, as required; Install two TV outlets, one phone jack and hook-up the bath fan; Electrical fixture Allowance = $ 340.00.

___________________________________________________________________________

Now if you do not understand the cost difference in these two proposals (it is at least a few thousand dollars) then you will need help. There is a major cost difference in just these two items. The couple that sent me the email did not understand the difference. Fortunately they were smart enough to ask for help.

Compare Proposals

I am now offering a value comparison between bids. Not necessarily a cost comparison but a value comparison. The low bid may contain all the value you want by an inferior contractor. The high bid may contain more value than you need but can be brought down to your needs by a quality contractor. In other words you will see who is giving you the best value for your money.

Here's how it works:

When you have two written proposals from contractors & are not sure which one is giving you the best deal, I can help, You will receive a report that will suggest  who is giving you the most value and, in addition, save you a substantial sum of money

	Receive a Contractor Comparison Value Report that Shows the Best Value
	Save a Least $500 (probably much more)
	No Risk Solid Money Back Guarantee

Send me a copy of your two contractor detailed proposals . I will show you how they really compare & then explain how to deal with the two contractors so you get the best deal. 

100% Solid Money Back Guarantee

If you don't think you saved at least $500 (probably much more) & found the best value in the Proposal Comparison Report then the service is free. If not satisfied for any reason, simply email me & you will be refunded. You can contact me here 

(This service is limited for remodels with proposals for $15,000 or more.)

The cost for the Proposal Comparison Report is only $47 & guaranteed to save you at least $1000 & show you who is giving you the best value.

P.S. - Don't forget, it's a free ride. Guaranteed you save $500 or you will be refunded.

P.P.S. - Cost Quotes from contractors without written details are worthless. I cannot help you.