When I get three quotes, which one should I pick?

There are a variety of reasons why quotes from various contractors may be considerably different. Below are some possibilities as to why many people receive a range of quotes.

Lower quote

• The company is just starting out and is lowering their prices to establish their business.
  
• Business is slow, so the company is lowering labour wages to get the job.
  
• The quote may be from a part-time contractor that does this in addition to their full-time career.
  
• Some contractors are able to reduce labour costs by employing family members and friends.
  
  

• Experienced contractor, one or two-man operation, no overhead.
  
• Up-to-date with new products and pricing.
  
• Able to accurately quote labour needed to complete job in specific amount of time.
  
  

• May include higher-end products and materials.
  
• Increased labour costs due to more detailed work and increased number of staff.
  
• This may be a larger company, employing designers, architects, extra staff, and sales people, and providing plans such as blueprints.
  
  

Whomever you pick, get referrals, ask for photos, and make sure that they will do follow-ups to fix any problems.

And before making any decision, you must ask yourself “Do I trust this person?” You should know within the first five minutes.

If my budget is lower than the three quotes, should I just do the job myself?

Yes, depending on the project and how much time you have to do it. Keep in mind that any job you do, you must take your time, have the proper tools, and have a solid understanding of what needs to be done. Most importantly, make sure that you obtain any required permits.

When you do hire someone, make sure that you are hiring a professional, someone who has the time and the tools to do the job the way you want it done.

Should I pick a company that is bonded or backed by the Barrie Business Bureau?

Whomever you hire, mistakes can always happen; it’s not a perfect world. Choosing a bonded company will provide you the recourse to seek legal action if a job is not done to your satisfaction, but really, it’s up to the company’s integrity to make you happy, not the Better Business Bureau or the courts.

Please keep in mind that a company may be bonded, but the employees that enter your home may not be.

Better than a bond, make sure that whomever you hire will stand behind their work and fix anything that may go wrong once the job is completed.

When should I call to request an estimate for a deck or fence?

In my opinion, February or March is the best time to request a quote. Requesting a quote early in the year should give you enough time to decide, and allow the contractor to complete your deck or fence in time for you to enjoy it during the summer months. Requesting a quote in May or June is often too late as many contractors are booked up for the summer season.