Comparing contractor quotes can be confusing, especially when you’re planning a complex renovation or new build. Let’s review the main things to look for in a quote for work on your home.
What Does the Quote Cover?
A quote should include a detailed list of the work the contractor will do and how they will do it. Here are the elements that are normally included in an Orangeville contractor’s quote:
Tasks to be Completed
Tasks to be completed might include demolition, framing, roofing, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, drywall installation and finishing, cabinetry, door and window installation, painting, flooring, finish work, and any other specific tasks required for the renovation. An Orangeville contractor will also list any exclusions, work that is not included in the quote.
Materials to be Used
A reputable Orangeville contractor will include a detailed list of the materials they will use, including styles, brands, finishes, and quality levels. They will sometimes bring samples of materials they often use or a slate of options for you to choose from. Ask for additional options if you have different preferences. You may also want to source some of the materials yourself, and a good contractor will be fine with that.
Labour Requirements
The labour requirements for a job should include the number of workers, their roles and specializations, and the estimated number of hours they will work.
Does the Timeline Work for You?
When you’re looking for the right Orangeville contractor, check that their timeline fits with yours. When can they start on your project? If you need to move out of your home, will your move-out and move-in dates work with important dates on your own calendar, such as the start of the school year? Does the schedule seem reasonable, or is it too long or too short?
An organized Orangeville contractor should also offer completion dates for major project milestones, such as when the framing will be complete and when the tradespeople will start.
What Are the Payment Terms?
A typical payment structure for an Orangeville contractor includes an initial deposit, progress payments, and a final payment once all the work is completed. The timing of the payments should be clearly spelled out.
Are the Costs Itemized?
A quote will show you how much each element of your project is likely to cost. A reputable Orangeville contractor should be eager to answer your questions about why certain items are priced high or low and whether there are opportunities for cost savings anywhere.
How Will Change Orders Be Handled?
If you decide on changes to the scope of the project, how will your contractor deal with them? At what point will you need to let them know about additional work? A good Orangeville contractor will be willing to discuss the plan for change orders and will be transparent with you about what they can and can’t accommodate.
Is the Contractor Insured?
Although not part of a typical quote, any professional Orangeville contractor will be licensed and insured to cover the risks specific to a building site. Ask to see their documentation before signing a contract.
Contractor Quote Red Flags
When you’re considering hiring an Orangeville contractor, you may get indications that you should choose another one. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Reluctance to provide proof of license and insurance.
- Unusually low quotes, specifically quotes that are much lower than others.
- Demanding full payment or a very large deposit upfront.
- Unwillingness to provide a written contract.
- High-pressure sales tactics.
- A vague timeline and a lack of clarity about when milestones will be met, or inspections will take place. An unreasonably short timeline is also a red flag.
- Overly broad estimates about material and labour costs—you should expect some buffers to be built into the quote, but the contractor should be clear about what they expect things to cost, with reasonable specificity.
- Inability or reluctance to give details about the subcontractors or tradespeople they plan to bring in.
- Disagreements about materials, styles, and finishes—this is your project, and it should meet your tastes and expectations.
- Communication problems such as delays in responding to your messages—if the contractor is hard to get in touch with during the quotes phase of your project, they’ll be even harder to find during the execution phase.
About Frameworks Renovation
If you are looking for an Orangeville contractor, you will find a perfect construction partner in Frameworks Renovation; whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, basement renovation, home addition or other home upgrades. We have extensive experience in Orangeville and the surrounding area, highly reliable suppliers, excellent working relationships with the Town of Orangeville and its building professionals, and a large dependable network of tradespeople and craftspeople.
We handle both large and small home renovations in Orangeville; we are happy to work with you on your addition, new garage, or barn, and we will provide you with a detailed quote that gives you all the information you need to make an informed decision about which Orangeville contractor to choose.
Give us a call at (519) 216-5507, email us, or use our online contact form to talk about your ideas and get a no-obligation quote. We look forward to hearing about your project.