In general, I’d suggest that a really, really low bid should set off alarm bells. Particularly if there is a large down payment associated with it. Are there any cases where this isn’t true?
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100% True and Agreed
lol if you are smart you will check their profile first speak to their previous clients before you call them
If its extremely low then you should be concerned. They might have under bid the job or they don’t have knowledge to do the job. I pride myself on being able to do quality work at an affordable price.
Only used licensed construction firms validated by your state
Check licensing and client testimonials. It is also important to look at photos of real jobs that have been done by that company for visual proof that they know what they are doing.
Yes.
It can depend on the project! If it is a small handyman job, then maybe it won’t be so bad. If it is a complete gut of a kitchen or to tear a roof off, then always get more than 2 opinions before choosing your contractor!!! We are competitive and do amazing work, but we are not the lowest price. Sometimes you get what you pay for but it is really situational.
We’d recommend you to check an actual remodeling job the contractor did before.
Or to talk to the homeowner on the phone or if they have an open job, to go and see it.
It always gives you a better idea of how they are organized and how much you like what they are doing.
Of course, make sure when you sign a contract that the scope of work is detailed and hire only if they offer you a reasonable schedule of payment. Don’t pay everything upfront.
Best
Lemon Remodeling
I would make sure that they have the correct license to do the work that they have bid. Check to make sure that they have workers comp for them and their employees. They should also have a commercial auto policy.
Now if they meet all of the above they may have missed something. Now you have to decide if want to roll the dice and use them. In my area, severial contractors look to be cheaper at first but when they get done they are much more and the customer has to deal with the headache and the added cost.
Check licensing, usually the cheaper guy is not the most experienced. Always ask if your contractor carries liability insurance. If your painter drops a gallon of paint on your carpet you’ll want to be sure he covered by insurance.
Always check licensing and insurance. However, low bids do not always mean incompetent work. Sometimes work is slow for whatever reason - maybe due to the weather or maybe due to the economy for example - and sometimes contractors will bid low to entice jobs simply because some income is better than no income. They may be willing to cut costs by picking up supplies themselves rather than pay for a delivery, or do the job themselves rather than subcontracting it out.
As always, follow your gut. If you feel uncomfortable asking for the reasoning behind the low bid or asking for credentials, then you probably wouldn’t work well with said contractor in the long run regardless.
Low bids definitely are a warning sign. You need to have a detailed work agreement that lists every component of the project in detail down to the specific materials that will be used. It is shocking how many licensed contractors are ok with no contract or a barebones contract. Check references and go with your gut as @paramountfencing recommended.
If a bid comes in really low compared to your other estimates, then they are either missing a step. Or they could be using really cheap materials. You never really want to pick the lowest bid when getting work done, its more about picking the contractor that makes you feel comfortable.
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If you received other bids that are all far off, then yes. We always encourage our customers to interview at least 3 companies, ask for references and check their online reputation.
Yes. There are really unprofessional people out there. My most recent client was charged a really low amount for her kitchen renovation, next thing you know the contractor Legit steals her cabinets and claims they were never delivered. As a contractor and homeowner, always use mental judgment and peer references. Also, always ask for previous references. They will always have that one client that will accept anyone interested in seeing their renovated apartment.
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In most cases, don’t hire the lowest bidder
Regardless of the price, before hiring any company always read their reviews. Make sure to read all of the good and the bad. Do research and ask as many questions as possible. Make sure everything is written down on the contract. Make sure they have license and bond, and that they are insured.
If the price is low and your research and questions and you have everything written down in the contract, then there should not be a problem with the price.
Red Alert! The prospective contractor is either inept or desperate; which in either case will lead to a failed project.
Not necessarily, but it’s always recommend to take more then one bid, and to ask for as detailed bid as possible
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