The Home Improvement Contractors View

Last week, I talked about what a homeowner should search for when hiring a contractor. Right now, I would like to discuss what an honest contractor has to take into consideration in running his business. When I first began, I was gung ho just like any contractor all filled with spit and vinegar. I’d wear my polo shirt with my company name proudly displayed. I would make certain the boots were clean and the jeans were wrinkle free. Yet another day of going out and conquering the world. Well one day I landed the “big one”, I was elated! I just got my foot in the door of a sizable job and all I needed to do was close. I mean c’mon I was going to be rich! The job was like 20 grand! (Step out of the way Howard Hughes). Well I scheduled the meeting and promptly showed. I don’t think my feet even touched the ground as I walked into the homeowner’s house. I had all my figures on me and was loaded for bear. That is when the clouds began accumulating and the vultures were ready to pick my bones. I had made a presentation that would have made my mom proud. However, reality came in the voice of the homeowner as though it was in slow motion. “I called you here,” he said. “To ask you if you could beat this price”. Wait a minute! I thought. There is another price? He hands the quote to me and my legs go weak. “This is not a quote for this job,” I thought to myself. “This is the tab for picking up the dinner!

‘How can a contractor give such a price? I asked the person “Is this quote for the project which I looked at? “ Yes” he stated. “And not just that he will do this extra” Well there I was young and naïve he got the drop on me. So what did I do? Before I could think, I stated “Sure I can do this job” Heck and I can even do the extra that someone out of his mind promised!” Well I got the job and yeah I paid the price. A lesson learned in all of this is if you are an honest contractor and wish to make it through in this field, you had better be prepared to lose some jobs or lose your business. Because there are contractors and customers out there who do not care about your overhead and in the end the majority of the under priced jobs cost both the contractor and homeowner alike. That is where all the horror stories come from. In addition, I know that the most “seasoned” contractors will not consider taking these jobs. However, realize this. These contractors are your competition and customers have to know this. An honest price for the job will make the contractor and homeowner’s project a positive experience. The overhead for contractors on the level is very high and there’s a reason for their pricing.