Getting Contractors To Constantly Give Estimates?
For all you wholesalers out that that don't ever do rehabs, how do you get away with always getting estimates? I would assume after going through many and never actually giving them work you run out of options.
Also, should I get an itemized written estimate that details all the work that needs to be done. Or do you just stick with an oral figure thrown out?
I drive my contractor nuts. . .I slip him a $50 for his time and expertise. He knows, *eventually* I will buy something he will have to fix up
You realize of course that working with a Contractor who is doing an estimate for you is the chance of a lifetime. Of course I was a General Contractor having had a Grandfather that insisted I learn a trade instead of laying around in the sun at the beach with all of my classmates at Beverly Hills High. He apprenticed me to a Plumber. Oh my god the time I spent under all of those houses. I missed all of those wonderful times but I learned a trade. Do I regreat it? Of course!
Had to get that off my chest. When you have a subcontractor or even a general prepare an estimate. Go with him and learn how it is done and what are the variables. There are several excellent books on the subject. The beauty of it is that this is something that you should be capable of doing yourself. After all you do know how to measure and you do know how to read and look up the price of items and you do know how to find out what kind of wages everybody is getting or supposed to be getting. Damn put it all together. Besides if you wish to play in the dirt this is something that you will have to learn sooner or latter. Otherwise my dear friend you will be a target and strange men with hands that feel like a goats hoof will make fun of you and tell you strange and varied things instead of what is the real cost. Learn the add ons and learn the jargon it is rather entertaining.
Cheeers Lucius
Lufos,
That is actually how my business was started many moons ago. I probably have "books of notes" on "how to's" I remember a time when people didn't want me in the house period, when they were working. I took so many notes and asked so many questions. but to no avail I can actually look at a house and be able to figure out what the costs to repair will be. I usually am over priced but I am conservative on all my figures. I also read many books to figure out the rest. I am always amazed at how everyone thinks there is an easy way to do things or some kind of short cut.
I use to keep all the old estimates and use the dimensions to figure out what the same job would cost in a different house. (I always loved math)
Good luck
Lori
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