Three Bid Myth

I found this article from a Corvallis, OR newspaper. My experience is very similar to the author's and I strongly recommend his advice to all our clients.

The Three Bid Myth

As published in the Corvallis Gazette-Times
By Tom Powell

I was at Safeway the other day and picked up a copy of "Kitchen Remodeling for Dummies." I have to say, I was curious to read the advice the publication was offering. Not surprisingly it advocated getting three bids. "Be sure that all three contractors work from the same materials and labor list. You want to compare apples to apples."

This is a good concept in theory, but there are a few significant problems with it. First, it assumes that you have enough information about the project to be sure that all three contractors are quoting the same thing. Second, it assumes that you have confidence that the contractors will stick to their "estimates". Third, it assumes that price is the most important factor in selecting your contractor.

So here's how the scenario works. You invite three contractors to your home to get estimates on remodeling your kitchen. You have an idea of what you want or even a sketch. Each contractor will have different ideas and bid the project accordingly. Everything from the cabinet layout to the countertop to the brand of faucet may vary, if they are planned for at all. How then do you "compare apples to apples" with any level of confidence?

Three bids only give the illusion of providing a thorough comparison. Without drawings and specifications it is impossible to know what is included in the project. I can't tell you how many times I've heard horror stories of a homeowner finding out that the final project cost did not even remotely reflect the original bid.

I encourage you to interview multiple contractors and call their references. Make your choice based on comfort level, experience, and reputation rather than nebulous bids. Work in partnership with your qualified design/build company to develop a design and project that meets your needs and your budget.

To discuss your upcoming project needs or new home ideas. Give us a call to schedule an appointment (801) 472-1211

Success,

Matthew Harper

Early Spring Promotion

The warmer weather the past few weeks here in Utah has started people thinking about their upcoming home improvement, remodeling, and renovation projects. We have seen an increase in clients wanting to start the budgeting and design process. We appreciate all our clients and their patronage.

In an effort to show our appreciation to our clients we are offering an "early spring" project incentive. Schedule your remodeling or addition project with us before February 25, 2011 and we will provide project design services and plans free of charge. For more information contact us at (801) 472-1211.

Updated Energy Star Program

With new advances in building technology and products the national Energy Star certification program is being updated to provide more energy efficient standards. The new standards if followed properly will increase a home's energy efficiency significantly of standard building methods.

We have been reviewing the updated program and decided to partner with EnviroWise Consulting, an independent certification and consulting firm to bring the added value of a more energy efficient home to our clients without increase building costs. Its an integrated approach to building the entire structure from the ground up maximizing resources and efficiency and minimizing waste.

We will post additional information for you to learn more about the updated program in the coming days.

Success,

How can homeowners participate in their home remodeling or renovation project?

When we meet with clients in preparation for their home remodel they commonly ask how they can participate and help the project move forward. Sometimes they want to perform some of the work themselves to contribute to the finished product and/or they may want to save some on costs and out of pocket expenses. Regardless of the reason(s) there are many ways homeowners can assist with their remodel and/or new home construction.

One of the most important things that every homeowner must do is make product selections for the lighting, flooring, plumbing fixtures, tile, paint, appliances, counter tops, cabinets and trim elements. This can be an overwhelming task! Your builder and/or designer can provide samples and recommendations to aid in the process and narrow selections down to fit with your style and budget. Making the time to finalize these selections on schedule is critical to the timeliness and success of your project. Meeting regularly with your builder during the course of the home remodeling project to make product selections and review the project schedule should be every homeowner’s priority.

If you have additional time and/or desires you may consider taking on some of the remodeling work yourself. In general, we recommend that our clients work with us at either the beginning or end of the project. Demolition, painting, installing trim work and floor coverings are a few examples of areas where homeowners can contribute “sweat equity” to their project. Working closely with the builder minimizes conflicts with the project schedule and allows for more effective collaboration between the builder and the homeowner.

When evaluating whether to work on your project yourself, be sure to consider the price tag on your own time and expenses. How much work will be missed or personal time given up? With these considerations included it may be less expensive to let you builder provide all the work needed. Let your own interests and skills influence your decision.

We enjoy working with our clients and developing a mutually beneficial relationship throughout the course of their home construction and remodeling project(s). We appreciate the time and efforts they put into home and enjoy helping them make their dreams become a reality.

If you have any questions about building and/or remodeling your own home. Please feel free to contact us and discuss them via email, over the phone or in person.

Success,
Matthew Harper
President
Harper & Company Homes, LLC

1880's Home Restoration

We are starting a historic renovation project in Salt Lake City. The excavators are currently digging out the basement for new footings and foundation walls. I have set up a photo album of the project for interested parties to follow. The home was originally built n the 1880's.

Check out the photos on our Facebook Page: Harper & Company

Fall Project Incentives

Dear Friends & Clients,

The economic ebb has provided an opportunity for you to move forward with your new home, remodeling projects, or restoration in ways that were not available last fall. New home projects are now more cost efficient than they have been in the past several years. The price of materials have dropped (due to lower market volume needed) to more reasonable rates and decreased project volume has allowed us time to focus on each job more effectively and provide a more efficient crew to ensure that your project is completed within budget.

At Harper & Company we have taken the time to expand our resources and increase our capabilities to better serve our clients and their needs.

We have teamed up with suppliers who are committed to provide the best materials for the best prices on the market. Lumber prices have decreased by approximately 5% to 10% and other suppliers are providing incentives that we pass directly on to you, our client. Rocky Mountain Power and Questar Gas are providing significant rebates for improving your home’s energy efficiency that has completely offset the cost of insulation and a significant portion of the cost for windows in some of our recent remodeling projects. We can also help you secure the financial resources you need.

Add these factors together and this fall is one of the best times to build a new home, add an addition, remodel your kitchen, finish your basement, or restore that old brick bungalow you love.

We are also offering a fall project incentive to our clients. If we begin work on your project before October 15, 2010 we will provide a $400 project discount or a SONY 32” flat panel TV (on projects over $10,000).

We offer a free in-home consultation to discuss how we can make upcoming projects become a reality. Please call to schedule your consultation today.

801-472-1211

Marketing Skills: Selling Value

This is a good article not only for builders but for clients as well. We are all trying to find and deliver the best value for ourselves and our clients.

http://www.remodelersadvantage.com/blog/archives/129