I’m thinking of adding a FAQ page to my website, so I’m trying to compile a list of the usual questions – the good, bad, ugly, stupid, logical, etc. Here’s my list so far.
- why does construction and remodeling cost so much?<!—-><!—-> <!—->
- I want to do a room addition on my house, how much will it cost?
- what does it mean to be a “licensed contractor”?<!—-> <!—->
- how do you know if a contractor really is licensed?<!—-> <!—->
- why does it matter if a contractor is licensed?<!—-><!—->
- what does it mean to bonded?<!—-><!—->
- what does it mean when a contractor says he is insured?<!—-> <!—->
- how do I pick a contractor to work on my home?<!—-> <!—->
- I called several contractors to bid on my project, but some of them never even returned my phone message, why?<!—-> <!—->
- I’ve had several contractors look at my project, but most of them never called back with a bid – why?<!—-><!—->
- Why are there so many horror stories about sleazy contractors?
View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles Greene
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Replies
Don't forget "What are those little black (or red) diamonds on the tape measure?"
Don't tell them those are the secret $$$ multiplier marks.
Joe H
you know i got to thinking maybe your on to something, lets say your bidding a 24x24 gararge. you run your tape around the preimeter. thats 66 diamonds,you tell the customer it's a 1k a diamond and your estimate is done, he wants to run a wall down the center no problem add the diamonds up. a little teaking for granite counter tops and this deals done. larryif a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?
Sounds like a good start; post a link when you have it done, because I'd really like to hear the answer to some of those.
Some other ill-formed ideas:
* Can you do it for any less, my out of work brother-in-law said he'd do it for $x? (or the guy in the parking lot at Home Depot?)
* If you can cut me a deal on this job, I can get you lots more work (i.e., If you lose money on this job, I _might_ get you plenty more losing jobs.)
* Dealing with people who don't know what they want, don't know it until they see it, or keep changing their mind. (I took a faux painting class a few years ago. One evening the instructor came in and said, "We have a new record. 27 re-dos on a wall and the lady is still not happy that she has the right color." 54 coats of paint and not one set of them was "close enough???"
* This is an insurance job. Can you bump up the estimate and I'll pay you your original quote? -or- Can you do it for less for Cash?
(Umm, no, I'm not going to lie to and cheat the insurance company or government, just like I'm not going to lie to and cheat you).
$X an hour!!! I wish they paid that down where I work.
Edited 1/27/2008 12:15 pm ET by byhammerandhand
Edited 1/27/2008 6:36 pm ET by byhammerandhand
"* This is an insurance job? Can you bump up the estimate and I'll pay you your original quote? -or- Can you do it for less for Cash?
(Umm, no, I'm not going to lie to and cheat the insurance company or government, just like I'm not going to lie to and cheat you)."Those are two of my biggest peeves. I was going to mention the cash thing myself.T.N.
While those can be some good items to put in the Q&A they need to be woreded very carefully and the responses should be about Hucks high ethics.I would be too easy for the A come out implying that HO's are scum..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Why do so many articles recommend getting at least three bids?
What is the difference between a bid and an estimate?
What is a change order?
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A change order is when the prints call for a first floor bathroom and the HO decides in the painting stage that they want it on the second floor.
Should be the same price, not a big deal is it? Are a few of the following comments after a change order. Woods favorite carpenter
A change order is when the prints call for a first floor bathroom and the HO decides in the painting stage that they want it on the second floor. Should be the same price, not a big deal is it?
Thanks Piffen and Matt for that one - Oh man, do I ever run into that! I gotta figure a way to get some of this stuff on the FAQ page. Another thing I hate (happened yesterday) is HO wants to make a disruptive change in the middle of the job. Spend half a day going over this in detail with the client. I tell them the benefits of the change are not going to be worth the cost, IMO. Nope, they're adamant. I call all the subs involved, notify them that the schedule has been changed, don't come until we make the changes and we're ready for you.
Then HO calls me at home, at night. Have you figured out how much that will cost? I remind her that our contract specifies all changes are T&M. Can you give me a ballpark? OK, I call the sub (who is involved with me in doing this change) at home at night and bug him, he spends a half hour calculating, calls me back with a ballpark, I figure my time and labor, add it to his, call her back, its $700.
Now she has to call her DH, discuss it with him, calls me back a half hour later, You're right, its not worth doing, lets skip it. Now that I have called everybody off the schedule, and have to try to get hold of them today, and get them back on. P.I.T.A.!!!!
View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Edited 1/29/2008 10:15 am by Huck
FAQ: “Can you fasten all framing and sheathing with Piffen screws, and can I get a genuine Piffen to screw it up for me?â€<!----><!----><!---->
<!----> <!---->
No, really, I had a customer ask me that once – well, the first part anyway.<!----><!---->
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Seriously though, I think you’re onto something. Although the subject is somewhat humorous, I think you really have a good idea. Your points are well taken. I feel for you, and hey, a little bit of humor may be just the thing to qualify your prospective customers.<!----><!---->-T
Seriously though, I think you’re onto something. Although the subject is somewhat humorous, I think you really have a good idea.
Web experts are constantly telling us that websites need content - and my own experience has shown that some people actually do read everything on my website. So I figure, why not use that opportunity to educate people to the unknown side of contracting - the contractor's side.
The FAQ list I came up with is really a combination of things I regularly hear from people that I meet or talk to, and things I regularly find posted from homeowner's posting on BT. Some have said avoid the negative - but that's not me. I hate those glossy websites (figuratively speaking) with purchased photos of a smiling model with a hardhat and a rolled-up set of blueprints, and an 'every story has a happy ending' mentality.
I'm into the nitty gritty of reality, and these negative cliches and misconceptions are an actual part of the real world I operate in. What I'm planning on posting on my website as a response to frequently asked questions aren't answers to these questions per se, but merely a dialogue based on those questions, showing the way they appear from a contractor's point of view, and hopefully, opening people's eyes to a bigger picture.
The current system for picking a contractor (call for three bids, go with the lowest) is flawed, and yet there are still success stories that come from it. Contractors who met good customers that way, customers who met good contractors, and got a good job that way. So I'm kinda using the FAQ to try to weigh things a little more in favor of success for both parties.
Sometimes I feel like people picture contractors as being paid a regular paycheck by a Higher Power to sit in an office, and answer phone calls. When we get a request for a price, we look it up in our reference book (you know, like mechanics do), add a little more for greed's sake, and pop out a number. Then, the same Higher Power pays our rent, and pays our crews to sit around, like a fire station crew, awaiting the alarm to send us off to our next assignment. And every job we pull away from upon completion, the clients sit there with scorecards, like olympic judges, and rate our performance.
They don't imagine there could be a connection between paying a contractor only enough for the labor on their job, and him being disorganized because of not having an office, or office help. They don't imagine that a contractor might not return phone calls because he works hard for long days, with little energy to pursue more leads when he gets home, if he knows he doesn't have the time or resources to take on additional work. They don't imagine that if a contractor didn't call back, it might be because they forgot to leave a phone number. They don't imagine that there are so many horror stories about sleazy contractors because people who hire based solely on low bid price are keeping the sleazes in business.
My FAQ would be a feeble (I'm sure) attempt to educate people to the cause-and-effect nature of many of the problems with the contracting process. And to educate them to the business aspects of contracting - a contractor charging $50/hour does not make $50/hour - I think people should be taught that, because I know even highly educated people who haven't figured it out. Why does construction cost so much? Could it be because contractors are in may ways, businesses which operate in an expensive world? Wow, I never thought of that!
So I appreciate all the imput on this thread, both serious and silly. Because really, a lot of miconceptions and expectations people have really are silly. And I don't see any harm in shining a little daylight on that fact.View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Clap, clap!!! Excellent posts. I really mean Excellent.
I've made copies of your posts, in this thread, for future reading.
All my life I've been known for my quick retorts and somewhat glib answers. Your posts are a goldmine of very simple facts not to be used willy nilly but great, factual zingers.
roger
Thanks for your kind words. Been busy lately working two and a half remodels, but its nice to come home and see someone appreciates something I have posted. Its far from comlplete, but here's a link to what I have posted on my website so far.
BTW, my thanks and appreciation to all who posted their thoughtful words and critiques, I have used all the imput here to polish my final draft. Which is still under revision, of course.
View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
I agree Huck, it is nice to get a few positive words of appreciation occasionally for certain posts. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
"it is nice to get a few positive words of appreciation occasionally for certain posts."Consider it done Jim. I think your follow up was excellent and your questions tend to be very specific, situational and subjective. This is a very good mini project that could be developed by everyone here, the old timers, the newbies, and especially the home owners. I think this thread should be long term, because problems and their solutions, and questions in general are happening all the time in our field.
The other good thing about this forum is that you know the questions and answers are coming from the front lines, both HO and contractor alike,It's important in this not to develop an "us vs them" thing too. I hear in the responses. How we word things is critical.
Perhaps Taunton can develop a master list eventually and put it in one of their issues.
The last contractor wanted to be paid for both materials AND labor. Was he trying to rip me off?
Runnerguy
As Homer Simpson once said, Materials and Labor, what a bunch of crooks. Pick one not both! ;) Woods favorite carpenter
"What are Piffin screws, and what is their proper use in hanging kitchen cabinets?"
PaulB
Oh man you guys are killing me, ROFLMAO!!!
But there is definitely some GOOD STUFF in there too - these are the things that people think, as we all know. Like someone said, I just gotta think of a good way of wording the responses, so I don't come across like the PRIMA DONNA we all know that I AM!! =)View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
how many commas do you have in yur check book???
I'll take the one on the left and then you can keep the one on the right...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I'm having a (party- wedding-etc) next weekend- can you be done by then?
Steve
Sure thing. I'll even kick in a funeral
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
dont forget the permit question.two ways to screw up concrete 1) concrete driver 2) concrete finisher
I know them. They had the quote for 60 days, then about the time you're ready to trash it, they call.Steve said:
I'm having a (party- wedding-etc) next weekend- can you be done by then?
Do I need an architect/designer/engineer?
Do I need a building permit?
Can I (the HO) provide labor to help reduce costs?
How long will my project take?
If you come in low enough i promise this job will be a SHOWCASE for your talents and send you on your way to Stardom.
I suggest not having anything where you are stating what someone ELSE is doing. Meaning I would drop the last three. You should concentrate on what YOU do. Don't attempt to infer what someone else does or does not do.
So state your policy on returning phone calls and giving bids. You actually don't know why someone else didn't return a phone call.
I agree, Rather than get into a discussion about some of the negative attributes of some contractors, describe the positive attributes of your business.What sets you apart?Julian
I suggest not having anything where you are stating what someone ELSE is doing. Meaning I would drop the last three. You should concentrate on what YOU do. Don't attempt to infer what someone else does or does not do.
Actually, there are sometimes very logical reasons contractors don't return phone calls. I try not to be one of them, but I think its good for people to realize that it happens, and why. And also, what is the best way to handle it. I think it helps bridge the "us" vs. "them" mentality that seems to permeate our society. Most people have no idea the challenges contractors face in doing business in a very difficult field.View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Yes, there are plenty of reasons contractors don't return calls. But you should discuss only the reasons YOU don't return calls. Anything else is just an assumption, and there isn't any reason to bring attention to your competition.
after not getting a return call after several tries I drop it and drive on...
still get... you didn't call me back from them...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Yes, there are plenty of reasons contractors don't return calls. But you should discuss only the reasons YOU don't return calls. Anything else is just an assumption, and there isn't any reason to bring attention to your competition.
Still not sure where you're coming from. Frequently Asked Questions are just that - questions people frequently ask about contractors in general. I think most consumers are mature enough to handle discussions about the big world. I don't see that as drawing attention to my competition, other than to highlight the things that distinguish us from our competition, in a positive way.View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
I think you have a good idea Huck. I think care should be given about the answers and I am very interested in them. They obviously should reflect your individual values as a company. I like the idea and can see how it can be used to brand yourself and position your company. I'll toss out a few:What is a Subcontractor? What is a General Contractor?Why should a homeowner use a general contractor instead of hiring subs? Who should arrange the financing for larger projects? How disruptive is the remodeling process? How can a homeowner be sure that liens won't be filed? What happens if a worker falls off the roof and is paralyzed and has $1,000,000 dollars in medical bills? What happens if a project is started without a building permit and the authorities find out after it's done? What happens if an injury occurs because of substandard work practices and the work was not inspected? Should a homeowner get special insurance when a project is ongoing on their house? What dangerous products are being used in the process? Are there dangerous fumes and off gases released during the project? Does construction dust hurt our furnace and AC system? Are all employees checked out for criminal history and drug usage? Are all Subcontractors screened for criminal history and drug usage? Are the subcontractor's employees screened? Huck, your list could get very involved and you get to structure the questions and answers in a way that maximizes your advantage. I'd like to see the master list and answers and will check out your website when you get them done. I'm going to start my own for our website. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
I don't see how the next-to-last and third-to-last would be helpful.
The last one might be better worded something like this - "Everyone hears horror stories about crooked or incompetent contractors, so what is the best way to avoid getting involved with one of them?"
For really Frequently Asked Questions, why not e-mail your past customers and ask what they would have wanted to know before starting a project?
I don't see how the next-to-last and third-to-last would be helpful.
third-to-last: I called several contractors to bid on my project, but some of them never even returned my phone message, why?
While many homeowners complain of contractors who don't call back, you don't think they would benefit from knowing some of the reasons why this happens?
For example, I often get messages to call people on a project, but they forget to leave a phone number! Sometimes they have left a wrong number. Sometimes they leave a number, in a completely unintelligible voice. Or the last part of the message gets cut off by my answering machine. Or a glitch in my answering maching blurbs over part of their number. Or they leave a number, but no name, and when I return the call I get a large business with many employees, and no idea of which one called me.
Contractors, like other people, have deaths in the family, sick relatives, and other crises that take them away from their phones for extended periods. Also, I have called people back, and one of their family members takes my message. When I call again, I find that their family member neglected to give them my message. I called back, but they never knew it.
Also, I have called back, only to have a family member tell me, "They already found someone to do the job"...when in fact, they may have found someone to give a bid, and were awaiting other bids. I have called back, only to have the phone ring and ring, no answering machine! Or get a busy signal - no call waiting! How many times do they think a contractor will try again and again?
During certain periods, a contractor's phone messages can reach a point of critical mass, where it becomes impractical to return every phone message, so you just have to do the best you can. Example: a roofing contractor after a hurricane.
next-to-last: I've had several contractors look at my project, but most of them never called back with a bid - why?
Again, you see no benefit from educating people to some of the reasons a contractor may be disinclined to bid a project? Bidding some projects doesn't make sense from a business standpoint.
Like, there may be red flags on a job, i.e., a husband and wife in disagreement, evidence of lack of funds, no clear idea of what is wanted, a high-theft neighborhood and a job involving expensive tools or equipment that would be at risk.
What if a contractor looks at a job to bid it because he needs work, and when he gets back to the office a job he bid previously calls to say Hey we're ready to start now, and he knows he'll have no time for the job he just looked at. In those instances, he could call back and relay that message, but my experience has been that the homeowner's disappointment (and sometimes anger) is the same as if I just didn't call back.
What if a contractor experiences sudden loss of key personnel - might that be a reason that a job he was considering bidding on is no longer viable for him?
These are just a few scenarios from off the top of my head, but I think it would benefit the buying public if they could understand some of the logistics of being a contractor, and the challenges and hurdles we face in trying to provide our services to everyone who wants them, at all times.
View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Edited 1/29/2008 1:45 am by Huck
I think you have a good idea, I've been trying to find the time to re-work our pathetic web-site. One of the aspects I want to focus on is providing educational information to the client about remodeling. I like your approach.
I would ditch the second and third to last questions though.
I'd also be interested in seeing what answer's you've come up with for those questions ;)
I would ditch the second and third to last questions though. I'd also be interested in seeing what answer's you've come up with for those questions ;)
100093.24 View Image “Good work costs much more than poor imitation or factory product†– Charles GreeneCaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
hell...I'd like to know the answers to some of those questions! haha.
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Hey!
A mod said "hell"!
Guess I don't have to write "he!!" anymore!
Forrest - figuring it out
you caught that too.....
awwwwww hell.... let's push the limits and see what else we can use...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Edited 1/29/2008 1:01 pm by IMERC
booger
no name
butt....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!