1. Never meeting the person who runs the job
A lot of companies send a salesperson to your kitchen table and a crew you've never met to your house. The person who promised you the world isn't the one holding the tools. Before you sign, ask who will be in charge of your job and who you call when something comes up.
That's why I come out for every estimate myself. I look at the space, listen to what you want, and tell you straight what it'll take. If I'm the one quoting it, I'm the one standing behind it.
2. Taking a handshake instead of a written quote
"We'll figure it out as we go" is how budgets get blown. Get a written quote that says what's being done, what's included and what isn't. If two bids don't describe the same work, you can't compare them.
Every job we do starts with a clear written quote, before anything starts.
3. Not checking licensing and insurance
This one takes five minutes and can save you a world of trouble. Ask any contractor if they're licensed and insured, and ask to see proof. If someone gets hurt on your property or something gets damaged, you want to know who covers it before it happens, not after.
We're licensed, bonded and insured, with commercial insurance. We're CBCMO certified and OSHA 30 trained. Ask us for the paperwork. Any good contractor will be glad you did.
4. Picking the lowest bid without asking why it's lowest
A low number feels good on paper. But a bid can be low because it leaves things out, uses cheaper materials, or plans to make it up later on "extras." Line up the bids side by side and ask each contractor to walk you through what's in theirs. The cheapest job is the one you only pay for once.
5. Hiring five contractors for one project
A basement finish can mean framing, drywall, flooring, paint and maybe a bathroom. Hire a different company for each and you become the project manager: scheduling, chasing callbacks and refereeing when one trade blames another.
We do it differently. One call, one crew, and one point of contact from start to finish. That's the whole idea behind "roof to basement."
6. Paying for a lot of the job up front
Be careful with any contractor who wants most of the money before the work begins. It's fair for a contractor to ask for something up front, especially for materials. Ask for a payment plan that follows the progress of the job, and get it in writing with the quote.
7. Forgetting to ask about the warranty
Ask what happens if something isn't right after the crew leaves. Who do you call, and what's covered? Our work carries a 6-month craftsmanship warranty. If something we built isn't right, call and we'll come back and make it right.
8. Leaving money on the table
Plenty of homeowners never ask about financing or discounts. We offer financing through Hearth and Affirm, subject to credit approval. We also have discounts for military, veterans, seniors, police and teachers. Just mention it when you book.
9. Letting someone rush you
"This price is only good today" is a sales tactic, not a reason. A good contractor will give you time to think, compare and ask questions. If you feel pressured to sign on the spot, that tells you something about how the rest of the job will go.
10. Walking into the estimate without a plan
You don't need drawings, but a little homework goes a long way. Before anyone comes out, walk the space and jot down what bugs you, how you actually use the room, and what you'd change if money were no object. Then decide what matters most. A contractor can give you a much better answer when you can say "this has to happen, that would be nice." Got photos of the space? Text them to (402) 595-8922 before your estimate.
The easy way to start
If you're thinking about a project, roof to basement, start with a free estimate. I'll come out on a weekday, take about 20 minutes to look at the space, and give you a clear quote with your financing and discount options laid out. No pressure and no job too small. We take pride in what we do, and I'd be glad to show you.
Ryan HensleyOwner, MR. HENSLEY LLC · (402) 595-8922