Subcontractor Bids

Subcontractor Bids

Asking for Bids

For every job you hire a subcontractor to do, make sure you ask for bids from several different ones and make sure the bids are for similar work. Here is what you should expect when getting bids for various jobs.

Plumbing:

Plumbing bids should include all plumbing fixtures right down to the toilet seats. They will not include accessories such as toilet paper holders. If colored fixtures are to be used, specify color and brand. Plumbing showrooms are your best bet for the selection of these fixtures. Magazines and brochures don’t tell you enough and often don’t give prices. Most plumbing showrooms won’t tell you the wholesale price, but you’ll be paying list anyway, as the plumber makes a profit on each fixture and it’s included in the bid. Don’t make an issue of this. The small profit in the fixtures is one of the plumber’s sources of income and he earns it.

HVAC:

Your heat and air-conditioning contract should include vents (generally fan-powered) for the bathrooms, clothes dryer, stove, and range hood.

Electrical:

Electrical bids should include all switches, wiring, receptacles, circuit breakers and their respective panel boxes, a temporary service box and installation, saw service, wiring of all built-in appliances, and installation of ovens and ranges, furnaces, heaters, and air conditioners. Electricians in many areas do the rough wiring for phones and Internet.

Utilities must be connected. Exactly who is responsible for running water lines, sewer lines, and electrical hookups will vary with each subcontractor involved. Get the responsibility pinned down when you are hiring the subs, then follow through to be sure it is done properly.

All subcontractors should be responsible for obtaining inspections from the building department, but make sure they do or you will have to do it yourself. Lack of inspections can cause delays. Proceeding without getting inspections can be troublesome and expensive. If, for example, you put up drywall before having your wiring inspected, you could be made to tear down some of the drywall for the electrical inspector. This is not likely to happen, but the inspector could force the issue.