Finally found a contractor!!

[Deleted]

The first company came out a gave us a quote that was double what our expectation was. Admittedly I don't know much about this stuff was we figured we would get a few more quotes and see. If they were all about the same we would know that we just had unreasonable expectation.

The second company cancelled our appointment 3 times for various reasons

The third company came out but wouldn't give us a quote because I was at work and both homeowners have to be present. Maybe this is standard but because H and I both work retail we have unpredicatable schedules. We almost never have the same day off and somedays I get out of work at 2pm somedays 9pm. Its hard to work around 2 people with schedules like that within a companies business hours so we just have H deal with it.

The fourth company came out (when he was supposed to) without me being home, gave H a quote for right around what our orignal expectation was (so 1/2 the first company). Plus he has great Angie's List reviews

I'm pretty such H has a man crush on the guy.

[kaylie]

That's great news! I'm always surprised how hard some contractors make it to give them business.

Jun 16, 2012 5:16:39 GMT -5 @kjewell said:

The third company came out but wouldn't give us a quote because I was at work and both homeowners have to be present.

I've heard this several times from various types of contractors. I think they do it so that they can give you a hard sell and you can't say "well I have to check with my _____". I find it kind of insulting and right or not, I perceive it as sexist. I'd rather not deal with contractors who operate that way, which is convenient because H works in finance and is usually out of the house from 6am to 8pm. I'm usually the main financial decision maker - by the time I call a contractor H and I have discussed it and are on the same page, I just tell him which option we're going with.

[mayflowers22]

Yay, that's great!

[lys]

When estimates vary considerably, make sure that they are quoting the same quality of materials to be used as the other estimates. (Roof singles are not all the same etc)

Some contractors are known for quality work and use only the top quality materials - they often are the busiest as well.

An extra high quote can also mean they are not interested in your job - it is too small, they are too busy.

Be sure to get references from a very low estimate contractor.