With money tight and cable shows telling you how to do everything yourself, it is important to know what you are about to get into while dealing with a subcontractor.

Before you begin contacting tradesmen and asking for bids, you need to have a clear plan.  You must be able to explain your project clearly - not just once, but every time you describe it to a potential bidder.  That means the scope cannot change, so write it down.  You want all bids to address the same scope.  If the scope changes from bidder to bidder, you will never be able to compare prices accurately.  

What is your budget?  Write this down, too.  This is not for the benefit of anyone but yourself, but as you read the different proposals, your decisions can be swayed.  This is just the beginning of the process, so for now - stick to the plan!

Now it's time to begin contacting the trades you need.  Where do you find them?  Begin by asking your friends, neighbors and co-workers for names of people they have used and would use again.  Referrals are almost always the best place to start.  Next, try the trade associations.  Keep the phone book as a last resort.  After you've compiled your list of people to contact, be sure you ask them all the same questions.  Again, write them down.  Get references; ask about schedules; get warranty info; and ask specific questions related to your type of project, such as experience.  Be sure you get all estimates detailed in writing.  Never accept a number hand-written on a piece of paper, and never sign a promulgated estimate sheet giving anyone authorization to proceed.  Demand they sign YOUR written agreement.

Once you have decided on the people who will be working with you, it is very important to review every detail of the project BEFORE the work begins.  Be sure such details are included in the agreement.

Some of the items you may wish to consider are:.

1.  Alarm systems and security arrangements.

2.  How will your pets be addressed?

3.  Will children be kept off the jobsite, and who will be responsible?

4.  What about parking, and any damages?.

5.  Will arrangements need to be made for tool storage?

6.  How about noise and dirt protection for the rest of the house?

7.  Who is responsible for clean-up?  What will be done?

8.  How will change orders be handled?

9.  Who will be hauling the trash, and how?

10.  Who is in charge of the project, and how can they be reached?

11.  Are all specific details covered in the warranty?

These are just a few of the things you need to consider.  Many others will become evident depending on your particular project.

Finally, any time you are dealing with outside labor of any kind, be specific and organized in your approach to the project.  If you see work that seems inappropriate, stop it.  Don't let things progress unchecked.  It is always less costly to fix a mistake than redo the project.  Be sure you are notified immediately of problems or cost overruns, but be sure to pay your help in a timely manner for work performed.  Have all paperwork and product warranties transferred to you and save all labels and instruction sheets for future reference.

These tips may not prevent all problems from occurring on your project, but they will go a long way toward making it run smoother.

If you have any questions, please feel free to use the form below.