Get a Bid, On What? Guidance For Planning Your Project
| I am often asked for an estimate, “How much will it cost to soundproof my garage?” or some variation, i.e., bedroom, basement, pool house? Or this question: “Can you come out and give me a bid to transform my room into music production space?” Or the combination – “I’d like to get an estimate to build a studio. Can you come out and give me a bid?” My first response is, “Fair question, but everyone’s situation is unique. Do you have a plan?” Far too often the answer is – “No, we want to get a bid.” |
The purpose of this article is to give you the knowledge necessary to begin your project and insure a successful completion. If you read the opening statements and don’t see the inherent problem you may be doomed to big issues at the end of the project.
To properly manage your project having a plan insures successful completion. If you invite contractors to come out and sweet talk prices, without a plan you may be asking for trouble. Each contractor may bid different insulation; R-11, R-13, or mineral fiber? And different studs; metal, D.F.#2, D.F.#1 or better? More importantly- (1) What is the best choice for your budget? (2) Is your wall to be layered with vinyl barrier, RC-2 channel, drywall, or the worst choice – Drywall/Soundboard/Drywall? (3) How do you know which contractor has the best choice and fairest price if they all have something different in mind?
You must first have a plan to get a comprehensive contractible bid.
|
PROPER PLANNING Gives all parties a reasonable expectation, creates the greatest choices for owners, keeps contractors honest, prevents mistakes, enables accurate scheduling and saves time and money. When building you cannot evade this truth: “Changes are expensive, Mistakes are more expensive, and Disappointment is priceless.”
|
The Benefits of Starting With a Plan
1. Ability to get professional advice, to make decisions that fit your needs and budget.
2. Better planning will attract better contractors. The best contractors are accustomed to designers and architects specifications. Without a plan you will only attract glorified carpenters.
3. You can accurately shop to compare prices.
4. When your project is finished, plans document what has been done and how it was done. In the future; If you sell, buyers will value seeing a plan. If you need upgrades or repairs, contractors will know what to do. If you have an insurance claim, adjusters can better assign the true value.
5. Full planning can give the flexibility of completing your project in stages.
6. Project accurate time lines and fixed costs.
How to Get the Help You Need
For limited budgets: Our website has Guidelines, Plans, Diagrams, Specifications and Advice. Download and print the information. I have seen many terrific projects that have been completed in this manner. We have simple consultation services to augment this information. Please visit the SERVICES section on our site.
For more complex projects: Hire design professionals. Pick the Architect and/or Designer you are most excited about and stick with them. If you are working with an Architect that does not have sound control and acoustics background, enlist a specialist as consultant. We often work with clients architects.
In conclusion, to assure a successful venture, to hire professional contractors, to obtain private comfortable rooms, get the most for your dollar, and most important – fulfill your expectations. Create a plan, then get a bid.
Thank you for you interest.
