We won't be using a contractor for our home improvement project.
That's the stark conclusion Sheryl and I [Michael] came to upon examining the bid from Bicknell Construction. They want over $130,000 for their part of the work: the shell of an addition, insulation and siding, and extending some of the eaves (they were still waiting for a subcontractor on the roof repair estimate). That's more than I envisioned for the entire remodel, and way beyond what we can afford.
We were disappointed with the level of financial detail in the bid. The only money itemized was the total of each bid (there were three), and the terms of payment. If there was any enlightenment in the numbers, it was a notice that "extras" would be billed at cost plus 15% overhead plus 10% profit; it probably isn't too much of a stretch to believe all the materials in the project were similarly billed.
So last night I started drawing rough sketches and estimating quantities. Time becomes a really big issue too, since I'll be doing much of the work, so the sequencing of what happens and when is now much more important. We want an addition. We need roof repairs. What is desirable versus what is prudent, or even possible within our time frame: the clock is ticking on our energy improvement rebate from the state (assuming they honor it when the time comes).
The most likely scenario is that roof repairs, siding, and windows will take precedence over expansion. That's probably a big enough bill for any handyman, but I'm still working on the plans for the addition, just in case I can figure out how to do a little more.
