How do you negotiate with a contractor?
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Who Has Leverage: Who has leverage on a home repair quote?
Whoever has more alternatives: several quotes, flexible timing. Busy seasons favor contractors; flexible timing and competing quotes favor you. Source: Wikipedia – General contractor
The Best Move: Best move?
Get three itemized quotes and compare scope line by line. The FTC advises getting several written estimates that list the work, materials and price, and asking why they differ. Itemized quotes show what a low bid leaves out. Source: FTC Consumer Advice – How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam
The Trap: Trap?
Paying most of the cost before work starts. The FTC warns against paying the full amount up front, and some states cap down payments. Large upfront payments remove your leverage to get the job finished. Source: FTC Consumer Advice – How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam