Decisions, decisions

[drwex]

We need some interior painting done. We've had two people in who gave estimates and I'm trying to figure out a decision criterion. My gut says one way, Pygment's instincts say the other.

Candidate A and B gave estimates that are within 5% of each other for the work. A gave a more detailed breakdown of work, but is 5% higher.

I called references for both A and B. B's references were all enthusiastic (3 of 3) and referred to them as having done interior painting work. A's references were slightly less enthusiastic (2.5 of 3), and referred both to their interior painting work and handyman/contracting work. Pygment points out that having a handyman contractor type we like would be a plus.

B has contacted me by email and phone to see if I've made a decision. You can interpret this as annoying, or as someone who is eager to get my business. A has ignored me.

Anyone care to share an opinion?

Comments

[caulay.livejournal.com]

B, based both on the references and them getting back to you (estimate differences are not a factor, given how close the numbers are).

[fidgetmonster.livejournal.com]

gosh, that is such a toss up. as a contractor, i've done both. sometimes i sense from a client that they don't want a hard sell and i let them be, to make up their own mind. other times i have the mental bandwidth and time to follow up and see where they stand. it could be that A has been in business for awhile and understands that half of quotes don't lead to business so is sanguine about it, or is busy enough that 'selling' isn't a priority. But B's follow through could be a sign of attention to detail. Or desperation. The fact that their pricing is so close is an excellent indication that they both understand the industry standards and can make accurate estimates for time and materials.

You didn't actually say what way your gut was leaning. Based on what you've told us, I'd say B, due to the combination of good references and the follow through. But if your intuition is telling you something different, have you nailed down what that is and why? And there is absolutely nothing stopping you from hiring the other person for handy man work later on, even if you don't hire them for the painting. [good] contractors learn not to develop fragile egos about that sort of thing.

[donnad.livejournal.com]

Customer service is important to me, because B got back to me, and had good references, I would likely choose B.

You have met both contractors, which would you feel comfortable having in your house for a period of time. Which one does your gut instinct tell you to trust?

[mizarchivist]

B.
I'm in favor of someone who is proactive in communication. I agree 5% difference is not enough to get too twitchy over.

[dcltdw]

To me, 5% cost is not a factor.

References are very important, so only a 2.5 is a red flag: if your own references can't be enthusiastic, that's a problem.

Proactive communication is a good thing, and a major plus in my book.

So stronger references and proactive communication point me strongly to B.

[candle-light.livejournal.com]

In my experience, contractors who *actually get back to you* are worth their weight in gold. Go with B.

[ciani.livejournal.com]

I'd go with B for many reasons already listed above.

[c1.livejournal.com]

I just have a better feeling about B.
They're calling back (interested in the work) and have 3/3 references. I'll guess that because they're looking for your work, they're more likely to answer the phone near the end, when you're chasing them down (inevitable) to finish punch-list stuff.
You can always find a good handyman. Paint, surprisingly for many, is hard to get right. Consequently, a good painter is worth a lot.