Why the Cheapest Price May Not be the Best Price
Why are Contractors’ Prices so Different?
Before beginning a home improvement or repair project, most homeowners get price estimates from several sources. Many times, an inexpensive estimate can be very appealing. It is important to understand the reasons why some contractors offer their services cheaper than others, and the risks involved in signing such a contract.
Choosing the cheapest option can cost you money in the long run. Some ways contractors can do this are by cutting corners, not carrying the proper insurance, and not using the best quality materials. In this article, we will examine the risks associated with the cheapest options and why you should assess other elements aside from cost.
Sometimes, Cheap Means Cutting Corners
Offering to perform a contracting job for cheap does not mean that the contractor is not in it to make a profit. The combination of inferior materials and a rush to quickly complete your project can end in shoddy workmanship. Rock-bottom prices often come at the expense of quality, costing the homeowner in the future.
Here are a few problems you may face if you go with the cheapest option rather than the quality one:
- Leaks
- Drafts
- Safety Hazards
- Code violations
- Contractor not honoring their warranty
- Violation of safety regulations
- Fines and even legal issues
A contractor’s reputation often speaks for itself. Knowing that the contractor you are working with has provided positive service and quality work to other clients is essential. Contractors who do quality work are comfortable sharing what their other clients have to have to say about them.
Sometimes, Cheap Means Forgoing Insurance
Contractors who are saving you money by not carrying the proper insurance are a risk that is not always worth the reward. Your property could be damaged, or someone on your property could be harmed, and you could be held responsible for the damages. You could end up spending thousands of dollars in repairs and legal expenses.
So, when choosing a contractor, it is essential that they are fully licensed and have appropriate insurance coverage. This coverage protects you, visitors, and your property. Insurance is not a place that your contractor should be skimping.
Professionals who do quality work will be insured. An injury that occurs on your property could end up costing far more than the project ever should have. An insured contractor will bear the brunt of such costs rather than you facing them alone.
Manufacturer Certification is Worth the Extra Expense
A cheap estimate for your home remodeling project may come from a contractor who is not certified for the products they are using on your project. Manufacturer certification may not seem like a big deal, but some products only offer a warranty if their products are installed by their own certified professionals.
You risk voiding your warranty by using a contractor who is not a certified installer. This could cost you money out of pocket for repairs and replacement for materials and labor if there is ever a problem.
Cheap Sometimes Means Poor Workmanship
Subpar materials, rushed jobs, and cutting corners can lead to bad remodeling or repair jobs. The whole project may suffer, often leading to repair issues and sometimes to redoing an entire project long before its time. Repairing poor workmanship can mean demolition costs, wasted materials, new material costs, and added labor costs to complete the job.
Essential details are often overlooked or deliberately ignored when a job is rushed. The homeowner is not always knowledgeable enough to recognize poor-quality workmanship in real time. Unfortunately, this often means paying for it later with leaks and other problems.
It is crucial that your contractor has plenty of experience, the required skills, a qualified team, and a solid reputation for quality work. Repairing bad work costs more than paying for quality work in the long run.
Follow-up Service Adds to the Expense But is a Necessity, not a Luxury
The cheapest contractors are not likely able to afford to offer follow-up services if the need arises. If your project has a problem, you may have to handle it on your own. This can lead to unexpected expenses.
Choosing a qualified contractor, who offers after-installation services, may save money in the future. They can troubleshoot any issues without them coming out of your pocket. Hiring a qualified contractor means you are not on your own if a problem arises, and that can give homeowners great peace of mind.
Check the Quality of the Product Promised in the Cheaper Estimate
Building products vary in quality. Though a contractor offering the cheapest estimate may list the brand they are using for the main product, they may not specify what they are using for other products. If they intend to use products of a lower quality, it can compromise the quality of your remodeling project. It is vital to choose a contractor who cares about all of the products they use and their quality.
Dropping the name of a quality product may be enough to rope a client in if they do not know that they should monitor all the products that will be used in their home improvement project. It is essential to educate yourself and ask the right questions.
Cheap May Cost a Whole Lot More in the Long Run
You may assume you are saving money if you choose the cheapest option for your home repair or remodeling project. But this can end up costing you far more in the future. The cheapest contractors are offering you a lowball estimate because they cut corners.
The corners they cut are at your expense. Shoddy construction work, products with voided warranties, poor quality products, rushed jobs, code violations, lack of insurance, and no guarantees for their work once they drive away are the additional costs of going with the cheapest estimate.
Protecting yourself and your project and ensuring it is properly completed is vital. L.H. Krueger and Son, Inc. is experienced, certified, and licensed. We specialize in quality products and will see your project through from beginning to completion. Contact us today to discuss your project. We’d be happy to show you how we’re different!
