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Three Reason Why a Contractor Needs to be the First Bidder on a Job.

By
Home Builder with Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 CSL#642819

 

Three Reason Why a Contractor Needs to be

the First Bidder on a Job.

 

I got up very early yesterday to drive two and a half hours to give an estimate for a small job. While driving, I had to ask myself why am I bidding on this job. It allowed me to think about some things. After being in this business for 25 years, I know that it pays to be the first one bidding. So if I can, I will get there the same day.

Here are three good reasons to be the first contractor to bid. 

 

Responsive Contractors 1. Being quick and responsive, there may not be another bidder. Contractors are known to not return calls, miss appointments, and not communicate very well. It almost seems to be an acceptable trait since it is so prevalent. If I can get to the job site quickly and get the estimate back to the homeowner, often times they will give up on getting another bid.


2. I get a chance to explain what is involved and how to correct the problem. If I can explain what is causing the dry rot or water damage in a way that the owner can understand, I become an expert in their mind. If three other guys have tried explaining the situation, my words start to sound like – blah, blah, blah. Anybody who has to pay money for services would like to know that it is necessary and worth doing.


Stone retaining wall3. Reputation. There is nothing better than being the guy that can solve a problem. If I can get to the owner promptly with the right answer, they will think to call me or refer me the next time there is a problem. That reputation brings me to the top of the list of who to call to get the job done.





Now all of this will be for not, if the contractor does not follow through with a finished product that is not satisfactory to the owners. Being the first the bid is just the beginning, the contractor has to live up to the expectations of the client. A bad reputation can work against us.


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Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

Two and a half hour drive...Wow.

The early bird usually is the one who gets the worm.

Sep 05, 2012 06:57 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

All good reasons Tom.  So, did you get the job?

Sep 05, 2012 07:09 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Have an outstanding week and be sure to have your camera in hand to capture the special moments.

Sep 05, 2012 09:17 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Tom. This is a terrific explanation for why timinf matters. I agree with your thinking and hope you got the job.

Sep 05, 2012 09:38 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

 

Pete - I like worms!  :)

 

Roger - Hope to hear this morning.

 

Roy - I will do my best.

 

Sheila - Keep your fingers crossed.

Sep 05, 2012 10:55 PM
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Good morning Tom -

I really like your statement, "Being the first the bid is just the beginning, the contractor has to live up to the expectations of the client. A bad reputation can work against us."  Rings so true for all of us in our individual roles.

Sep 05, 2012 11:21 PM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Tom~ Consumers generally appreciate a quick response.  I know that I do.  Explaining the solution to a problem in easy to understand terms is very important also.  If I'm spending money, I want to know that I'm getting my money's worth. Best of luck!

Sep 06, 2012 03:21 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

John - The client does have certain expectations of us, we have to meet those if we are to keep them happy.

 

I'm with you Donna.

Sep 06, 2012 05:47 AM
Dan Mincher, CCIM
The Vollman Company, Inc. - Sacramento, CA
Sacramento Commercial Real Estate

As a consumer, I'll confirm all 3 of your points ti be very persuasive and they got me thinking about the bid itself.  I can't tell you the number of bids I've gotten for fairly comprehensive jobs (septic system replacement, addition foundation, etc.) that have no detail or specs.  I actually got a bid last year from a painter that detailed the work as "paint entire house, inside and out in the desired colors.  Owner to purchase paint".  I went with another painter!

 

Sep 06, 2012 08:23 AM
Hella Mitschke Rothwell
(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI
Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker

Sounds corny but "The early bird gets the worm" - words to live by. So the second or third guy who dawdle in will get the job? I don't think so.

Sep 06, 2012 09:37 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Dan - I want to be a painter!   :)

It takes time to be detailed, and often times I would rather not spend the time. In the long run, it makes for a much smoother transaction. It is clear what is included, what is being done, and all the specifics that were talked about.

Thanks for the comment.

Sep 06, 2012 12:58 PM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

I love the worms Hella!

the second and third contractor do get some of the work, for sure. Many times, they find out what the first bid was and come up with a number that is less. I doubt if the contractor will be doing what I discussed with the owner; they were there for the conversation.  :)

Sep 06, 2012 01:02 PM