Is it ok to have this job re-bid?

11 years ago

We are in the process of residing our house and entertained four bids. In order to compare apples to apples we asked each to bid using the brand and color that "we thought" was the most likely color we'd go with...

Once the dust settled, we indicated to one contractor that we wanted him to do the job, but were still uncertain on the color. No contracts were signed, just a verbal telling him we wanted him and no material ordered.

As we continued to mull over the color we found another brand and color we liked and asked him about that and he indicated that if we wanted that he would have to charge us about 8% more for the job. I knew the price may vary but both are premium sidings and colors, so I questioned in my mind if the increase was justified or just an opportunity for a bigger payday.

So I am considering having the others re-bid the new siding and color since the job "changed" but I am sort of feeling like a jerk and know he is ticked off.

I'd appreciate your feedback on if what I am doing is "part of the job" at times for these contractors or am I just a slimeball for continuing to look for the best value for my money since I am not under contract and the job he originally bid has changed.

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Comments (3)

User
11 years ago
You're just asking for trouble. The other contractors that bid on your job will be very wary of even submitting a bid. And the guy you did choose might also choose to walk away from you. If you want to get new bids, get them from people you have't already polluted the field with. As long as the current contractors haven't already passed your name around at the coffee shop as needing to have a PITA tax added, you might be safe in getting something real from them.

Or, just apologize to the contractor you originally chose, and tell him that you are a rookie at working with contractors and could he please explain why working with the new roofing was more costly. And then be nice and bring him cold drinks and sandwiches during the job for acting like such a flake.

Different colors and brands of roofing DO have different costs. And different installation requirements from the manufacturer if you want to maintain a warranty from them.
kirkhall
11 years ago
You should be able to contact the other 3, give them their bid #'s so they can look them up (so it doesn't require another trip from them) and get it rebid.

You might be pleasantly surprised.
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weedyacres
11 years ago
You could also go to someone that sells the 2 brands of siding and get the prices. Calculate the square footage needed, and the difference in the materials. Compare that to the amount of the contractor's price increase.