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"Low Bid on home repairs rarely a bargain"

Houston Chronicle
BY JIM BROWN

How much should you pay for work on your home?

Seldom is the lowest bid a bargain. If you get several bids, often several cluster in the middle; pick one of those. I never argue price -- I either accept the bid or don't. I feel if you ask someone to lower his or price, you'll get lower effort, too.

I'll pay the asking price if I think value is there. In my mind, value is quality of work performed on time. I expect the quality of the work to be done exactly as I wanted and done that way on the first go-around. I've had two people tell me they would keep doing the job over and over until they get it the way I want. No thanks, I say. This is a project, not a life's endeavor.

There have been cases where I've had to supervise the job supervisor or finish or redo the work I've paid someone else to do. Why didn't I make them do it over? Usually because I wanted them out of my life. Or sometimes, it was clear they couldn't do the work.These situations are rare, thank goodness.

Find good people by talking to others whose work you like. One good tradersperson will know other good ones. Mom-and-pop hardware stores, plumbing-supply outlets, and lumber and paint suppliers also are good sources for finding people who do the work right the first time.

Once you have found great people, explain what you want done and then leave them to do their magic.

Some contractors turn in a low bid and then,as the job progresses, nickel-and-dime you with things that weren't a part of the original bid. I suspect they do business this way because many folks think price is everything.

A job done correctly, even above expectations, the first time and on time is worth the price. I consider no hassles and piece of mind worth the price.

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