While I recommend specific contractors for specific jobs, I always urge clients to obtain a number of quotes. 

 

During the boom years, the vast majority of clients were happy to proceed with one price from one contractor, more often than not, the one I put forward. Even where multiple quotes were obtained, nine out of ten clients reverted to my original suggestion. Fair enough really, I spent many trial and error years building trusted relationships with contractors who I know offer excellent, guaranteed services.
 

Things have changed. Nowadays, clients are savvy, cautious and prepared to hone in on the smallest detail in the hope of saving a few Euro, and contractors are now spending a far greater percentage of their time pricing projects, haggling over cents and trying to reduce their costs. Generally speaking, the market shift can seen as a positive step forward, and in the long run it should produce a more transparent, efficient and quality focused industry. In the mean time, it’s created some interesting scenarios.

Yesterday afternoon, a contractor I work closely with arrived at a house to price a small garden project; a little bit of paving, a lawn and some planting. Upon arrival, the contractor was intrigued to see an assortment of vans parked around the property. Eventually finding a spot to park, he dutifully gathered up the tools of the quotation trade and proceeded to the door. “Oh, you’re early,” said the occupant. “Could you wait in your van and I’ll call you when I’m ready?” “Sure, no problem,” said the contractor. Bemused, the contractor headed back to his vehicle, but while on route, was passed by another contractor making his way up the drive. A nod of suspicious recognition passed between them and they both carried on to their destinations. A few minutes later, the same contractor returned to his own van.

 

After approximately 20 minutes, the first contractor was hailed from the doorstep, in what he described as a ‘we’re ready to see you now’ fashion. Lead through the house, across a thick carpet of newspapers, the contractor noted who he assumed to be yet another contractor, penning notes at the kitchen table. Looking up, the assumed contractor, with a forelorn look in his eye, mouthed, ‘best of luck’, before returning to his notes. The language the contractor used to describe this scene will not be repeated in this blog, but it conjured images of a Roman coliseum; spent  contractors being lead away, while others are pushed through the gate to face the ferocious wrath of a pen and clipboard gladiator.
 

Next please! 
 

Directed to the back door, the contractor was conscious of being sized up. “You’d think I was being readied for sale the way she looked at me.” Licking her pencil, the client ticked his name off a list before briefly outlining her requirements. “She paused silently for a quite a while after. It was like she’d never gotten around to finishing a book on reading involuntary facial movements.” Whatever information she gained from the contractor’s bemused expression, it didn’t show on her own stony façade. “I’m always happy to answer client questions,” explained the contractor. “But this was something else. I half expected to be asked to don an orange jumpsuit and blackout glasses…while she geared up by poking the family dog with a stick.” The 20 minutes of intense questions covered everything you would expect and a lot more besides. “I suspect she’d been advised by someone with limited knowledge of construction. I did my best to provide answers but, to be honest, I just wanted to get out!” 

 

With the interview concluded - at least that’s what he was told - the client asked the contractor to submit a detailed quotation before the close of business that day. Successful contractors would go through to round two. Perhaps that explains the presence of the note scribbling contractor in the kitchen? “I’d be delighted,” said the contractor, before being ushered toward the door. The client, in the meantime, added his information sheet to the neat pile on the hall table. “I look forward to hearing from you,” said the client graciously, before looking over his shoulder to catch the eye of the next, early to arrive, contractor.  

 

The contractor did as instructed and provided the client with a detailed breakdown. He has yet to hear anything back. Things might be tight but I think he’d prefer if he didn’t.

 

As I mentioned above, I’m a big fan of multiple quotes and strongly encourage all clients to obtain them. That said, and given the above scenario, I can’t help but feel that the pendulum has swung too far the wrong way. And while this type of situation does not directly effect me - I did have a call once from someone wanting ten designers to submit proposals for a small garden with the intention that she’d pay for the one she liked - I do feel a great sense of empathy for Ireland’s community of quality contractors. The profit margins in landscape work have always been tight and they gotten even tighter of late. Fair enough given the state of the country, but to suffer the indignity quote queuing is not really on. 

 

If you’re a contractor I’d love to hear if this type of senario is becoming the norm. If you’re a member of the public wishing to employ the services of a contractor, here’s a couple of do’s and don’ts.

 

Do.

Get multiple quotes 

Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything

Obtain evidence of satisfied clients 

Use the grapevine to source a short list 

Visit www.alci.ie  to find registered contractors

Ensure the contractors are fully insured.

Get to know your contractor.

Give your contractor the benefit of the doubt.

Offer your them a cup of tea and a chocolate hobnob!

 

 

Don’t

Ask them to que up…space out appointments.

Don’t interrogate them…they’re more than happy to help. 

 

Final note.

While I have had a couple of bad experiences with contractors in the distant past, in the vast majority of cases I’ve found them to be nothing but helpful, professional and extremely hard working. If you want a good contractor and you’re not linked into a local grapevine then ask a good designer.