Getting roof and 5 windows replaced. How much to expect?

[jackace]

Always always always get 3-5 quotes on remodeling and make sure EVERYTHING is in the contract and ANY changes are added to the contract. There are a few rip-off guys in the remodeling industry. They like to low-ball bids and then not put everything in the contract, or insist on additions, and then charge for the additions. Most of these "additions" you the owner assumed were in the contract and part of the original deal. Always insist that everything gets put in the contract for the benefit of both parties.

Recommendations from friends and family about a good contractor is another good option, but not always available.

 

[Darwin333]

Originally posted by: jackace
Always always always get 3-5 quotes on remodeling and make sure EVERYTHING is in the contract and ANY changes are added to the contract. There are a few rip-off guys in the remodeling industry. They like to low-ball bids and then not put everything in the contract, or insist on additions, and then charge for the additions. Most of these "additions" you the owner assumed were in the contract and part of the original deal. Always insist that everything gets put in the contract for the benefit of both parties.

Recommendations from friends and family about a good contractor is another good option, but not always available.

He is absolutely correct about the contract. Most good contractors will insist on everything being in the contract to cover their ass. In residential work you run into quite a few people who want more than they paid for or something for nothing. So a good contractor will have a well spelled out scope of work.

On the other side of the spectrum, you have contractors that will try to take advantage of a residents lack of knowledge on construction and contracts.

Before you even get down to signing a contract you should write down everything you are expecting the contractor to do including small things like removal of debris, jobsite cleanup, etc.. Make sure the contractor has priced it that way and have them write it into the contract.