How Do I Notify A Contractor That I Did Not Choose For My Project?

You’ve done your due diligence deciphering multiple bids comparing them as apples to apples and now you made your decision. Next you call the awarded contractor to tell him the four words they want hear, “you’ve got the job”. But, what about the other contenders who didn’t get the job?  

Be sure to notify these contractors as soon as you know you will not be using them; it isn't fair for them to be left wondering when they will hear back or if they should hold open a schedule for your project, etc. You should notify everyone whom you contacted or received a bid from; they spent time to meet with you, prepared and submitted an estimate at no cost to you. In general, contractors are “big boys” that understand they will not get every job they bid, but they should not have to contact you to find out if a decision has been made. Email and regular mail is the least confrontational and easiest method, but phone calls are quite acceptable. It will be appreciated more than you’ll know.

Also keep in mind, you may need one of these contractors again in the future for another project or even help with the current if things go wrong, etc. Don't burn any bridges; and always be professional.

The Truth About Contractors and Scheduling

Ever wonder why contractors have the reputation of not calling back right away, not showing up, or being late. No, it’s not that they’re lazy or too busy playing golf at every waking moment. Contractors typically are juggling more things in a day than a circus act performer. There are appointments for prospective jobs, estimating jobs, employees and jobs to manage, materials to order, pick up and get delivered to the job site, and multiple of other tasks associated with running a business.

Contractors typically are juggling more things in a day

than a circus act performer.

No remodeling project is the same, the estimated time a project will take is not an exact science and sometimes things just take longer than expected. This can throw an entire day of scheduling off. But the biggest offender of a schedule killer is an unexpected discovery of something that needs to be fixed or dealt with during a remodeling phase before that project can continue (like dry rot). It’s a rippling effect on a day’s plan that can literally drive a contractor one step closer to the “nutty” farm. But good contractors will make every attempt to keep their schedule with you, at the very least keep you informed if there is a delay. But, they are after all only human and sometimes things are simply out of their control. So next time you think your contractor is ignoring you, chances are he’s not, he’s simply taking care of someone else’s problems just like you’d want him to take care yours if and when they arise with your project.    

Small Changes Helped Sell This Home Fast

We recently finished this small bathroom remodel for some wonderful friends who were selling their home. The original tub and surround were never level which caused water leakage at the back corner ledge each time the shower was used. We replaced the tub and shower stall and hardware, re-sheetrocked the entire bathroom in moisture proof board, took out the old medicine cabinet, and replaced the old “Diva” vanity light with a new updated one. The old vanity was repurposed and repainted by the homeowners and we installed a new all in one cultured stone vanity top to complete it. The client painted the walls and staged the new towel holders with white fluffy towels. The result? The house sold in 5 days!   

Planning For A Home Remodel

The best home remodeling ideas are the ones that promise to improve your quality of life. Bathroom and kitchen remodels may have the highest average financial return on your investment, but any home remodeling project will likely add to your property value. BIG or SMALL, it’s YOUR hard earned money and that’s why we prefer to spend ample time with you in determining what you want, the size of the project budget, and how to achieve it. Naturally you don't need to have all the answers, that’s what we’re for, but with a clear understanding about what a project may entail and options available, the better equipped you will be for ultimately making the best decision.

Our approach is in the details, remodeling an existing home is a whole different animal than new construction. It requires experience, knowledge, and problem solving skills. Many homeowners are simply ill-prepared when they go into a project. This often leads to higher job costs, low-quality work, or even non permitted work done by unlicensed contractors which can lead to a whole new can of worms for the homeowner. Regardless of the home area you choose to remodel, by planning ahead the more efficient and hassle free your remodeling project is likely to be.