Negotiating with your Building Contractor

How to Negotiate with Your Building Contractor

Building contractors in Kansas City or St. Joseph, Missouri can be intimidating—they're usually very good at what they do and seem to know exactly how to get their point across.

Most people thereby dread negotiating with a contractor for a renovation project or new construction. They're afraid of upsetting them and having them cut corners on the project. So, they zip their lips to avoid getting ripped off by contractors who somehow always manage to have the upper hand. 

But it doesn't have to be this way.

If you know how to negotiate with your building contractor, there's no reason why you wouldn't enjoy a seamless process where your needs are prioritized, and the project completes per the set timeline and budget. 

How you negotiate with your building contractor ultimately affects how successful and cost-effective your project will be.

- Blackstone Construction

Here are some tips and tricks to help you negotiate with building contractors in Kansas City or St. Joseph, Missouri like a pro.

1. Set the Right Tone

Depending on the scope of your project, you'll be working with your contractor for a few weeks to months. How you treat them in the first few interactions will determine the quality of your relationship.

While you don't want to trust them blindly, there's no reason for you to treat them with suspicion when they just want to do their job. 

Remember, negotiation is about finding a deal that works for both sides and creating an atmosphere where both parties feel comfortable sharing their wants and needs without worrying about being judged or criticized. 

A little kindness goes a long way in ensuring your project isn't compromised due to undue squabbles. Be honest and transparent in all you say and do, and keep the communication lines open to build a good rapport with your contractor. They'll likely treat you fairly and honestly in return.   

2. Tell Them You're Getting Multiple Bids 

Get bids from at least three licensed companies and ask your contractor if they can beat them. This will convey that you're serious about keeping costs down and aren't desperate for their help. 

Again, do so in a polite manner rather than making it sound like a threat. This simple trick works wonders in making contractors come down in price.   

3. Get Everything in Writing

Before signing a contract, decide what needs to be completed and how the expectations of both parties will be managed. Inquire about any contract terms you're unsure about and set a deadline for the project. 

Also, discuss any additional costs that may be involved, such as those for materials or labor, as well as any safety regulations or legal requirements that may need to be fulfilled before the project can begin.

It's also important to clearly outline any warranties or guarantees for the work done. So, if anything goes wrong, there'll be a straightforward rectification process.

A written agreement will guide the process and help you stay on top of the progress. Of course, a slight change in plan here and there is often inevitable, but at least you won't have to worry about deal-breaking surprises later.

4. Never Offer to Pay Upfront

No matter how reputable and trustworthy your contractor is, never pay for anything until it's done per your requirements. This serves as an extra layer of financial security while ensuring the project is considered done only after you approve of the outcome. 

The Bottom Line

How you negotiate with your building contractor ultimately affects how successful and cost-effective your project will be. 

To ensure a positive outcome, you must establish a good rapport, use estimates from other contractors as a negotiation tool, clarify how and how much you'll be paying, prepare a written agreement, and maintain open lines of communication throughout the process. 

If you’re on the lookout for licensed and insured building contractors in Kansas City or St. Joseph, Missouri, look no further. Click here to get a free quote for your residential or commercial construction or renovation project from Blackstone Construction.