While we would like to think that all builders are equal, the simple truth is that they are not. The competitive bidding process assumes that all bidders are of equal quality and so begins a process filled with false assumptions.
The first problem is that we can’t “kick the tires”. We can’t see the finished product and make educated decisions based on the quality of one finished product over another. With most products, we can make comparisons based on the physical evidence that we can see and touch. When hiring a Fort Lauderdale custom home builder, we are buying a product that has yet to be built. We may be hiring the best salesman rather than the best builder.
Blueprints rarely, if ever, specify each and every element that goes into the construction of a building. Each and every item not specified is left up to the contractors bidding the project to specify. Knowing that the low bidder is often awarded the project, it is not likely that they will consider products that may inflate their price. Major items may be specified, such as plumbing fixtures, roofing, flooring, and appliances etc., but this leaves literally hundreds of products of varying quality left solely to the discretion of the bidding contractor. The contractors who regularly use cheaper products and cheaper labor are likely to give a lower price to build. This is not in the unsuspecting client’s best interest. In the long run, this can lead to years of costly repairs and maintenance.
As the job progresses, the low bidder either uses the cheaper products or offers the client upgrades through change orders, thus adding to the cost. In the end, the price differential between the low and high bidder is usually much less than it appeared at the beginning.
There is also the assumption that all of the bidders have included everything in their bid. It is not uncommon that the low bidder has left something out of his bid. This may come to light at the contract stage when the client may feel that he has already committed to this builder and does not want to “start over” with another builder. So the client accepts the additional costs. It may also come to light during the construction process and the dreaded “change order” raises its head. Even if the contractor is forced to absorb the loss, the client may ultimately pay because the contractor may look for and find other ways to cut corners to make up for the loss.
While price is important, you do not always get the best Fort Lauderdale Luxury home builder online or the best deal based solely on price. The “best value” is not likely to be the “lowest price”. A building is like anything else you buy- you get what you pay for!
