Preparing for the Estimator

When your property needs work done, painting or reconstruction, there are steps you will need to take before the work actually begins.  One pretty important step is the estimator coming to your property to properly bid the work.  Here’s what you can do on your end to ensure the estimator’s visit is an efficient one.

Before the estimate is done, you will meet with the contractor and do a pre-walk.  The pre-walk will allow the contractor to fully understand what you want done to the property.  This will enable him to thoroughly and accurately bid the job during the estimate visit.  

STEPS TO TAKE WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR BEFORE THE ESTIMATE IS DONE:

Firstly, be very specific with the contractor in terms of the scope of work you want done to ensure everything you want worked on is included in the bid.  Don’t assume that that contractor will know exactly what you want done.  Even if something seems commonsensical and should go without saying, mention it anyway.  This especially applies for any unique item you may have on your property, such as a fountain in the middle of the community.  If you want that fountain included in the bid, notify the contractor in advance.  This will ensure the estimator includes it in the bid rather than having to make multiple trips to the property for missed items.

Secondly, make sure the estimator will have access to the property.  Give the contractor the gate code, pool key, club house key, etc. before the visit to your property to give the estimate.  

STEPS TO TAKE WITH YOUR RESIDENTS BEFORE THE ESTIMATOR ARRIVES:

Make your homeowners aware that the estimator will be on the property.  This way the residents will not be wary of a stranger roaming the property.  

Ask your residents to keep their gates unlocked so the estimator has access to the yard or porch.  Remind the residents to lock all doors and windows to the inside of their home to ensure absolute safety.  

Inform your residents to lock up their dog.  The estimator will not likely enter the yard or porch if the dog is loose.  This is for the estimator and the dog’s safety.  If the estimator cannot access the yard, he cannot properly bid that area (this applies to prep work for painting and wood replacement for construction, mostly). 

After the estimate is complete, meet with the contractor again to inspect the bid. Review the bid thoroughly to ensure it is exactly what you want done.   If the scope of work is not precisely what you want tell the contractor immediately. 

Have more questions?  Ask us here.  

 Written by Cari Stark