Keeping Track of Bids

In order to keep track of your bids, and easily compare them, you should put together a folder with each item you need to get bids for, and then the separate bid sheets you obtain from each contractor and subcontractor. You can organize this folder into sequence, what jobs need to be done first, and get the bids for each job in that same order. You will want to get at least 3 different bids for each job.

Take these 3 different bids, and put them in your folder. Then, you have an organized system for each task, and know which sub or contractor can do the job in your time frame and for the best price. Doing this, and making sure the bids you have are accurate will also mean that when you are on site, and a sub can't or doesn't show up, you have all the other bids on the same sheet in front of you, and you can call and see if another sub can do the work.

Now, there is more to having a detailed set of plans and specs than this, although this is a good enough reason alone. However, having a good set of plans ensures that you will get more reliable bids, and that you will be able to compare your bids accurately because they are for the actual work, not an idea of the work. Does that make sense? If you have every detail planned, there is no room for mistaking what you are asking, and no room for subs and contractors to fudge on their bids and charge you more than they said they would. If they have a clear understanding of the work that needs to be done, they will give you an accurate bid.

A great way to help ensure this clarity needed for accurate bids, is to have a design portfolio with pictures you can show to the contractors and subs to get accurate bids on the design you have in mind. If they can see exactly what they want there should be no mistaking it.

Another way to get accurate bids is to make sure every set of plans you give to subs are dated. That way when you talk to them you can ask for the date on plans, just in case they have an old set. This will ensure you are on the same page about the project. Once you are sure that the two of you are talking about the same thing, have the sub sign the actual plans with the bid amount written on it as well. This ensures that they won't be trying to charge you more later and blame it on a change of plans. By doing this you will be saving both money and mistakes.

As you can see, having accurate bids saves you money. So do everything in your power to get the contractors and subcontractors all the information they need to give you an accurate bid.