RICOP Construction Blog How to Write a Request for a Proposal to a Building Contractor

Building contractors need very specific information in the proposals that are submitted to them in order to ensure that they are able to serve your needs. Here we will review the basic information that you must provide in order to receive a clear and concise estimate in return from your building contractor.1. Provide All Architectural Designs: This is going to be the cover letter for your proposal to the contractor. This allows them to see what they are going to be looking at and should contain contact information from the architect so that they can contact them if the need arises.2. Materials Information: This is one of the most often overlooked areas of a proposal because everyone just assumes that a building contractor will be able to obtain all of the materials required for a project. However, by submitting a materials list along with the building design, you will give the contractor a chance to review whether or not they are capable of obtaining or working with the particular materials.3. Written Inquiry: Since you have submitted the data and materials list, you have come to the heart of the matter. The written inquiry should be a letter of interest to the head of the company. However, this letter must also outline two things to assure that nobody will have their time wasted: The budget and the timeframe.3a. The Budget: Every contractor needs to know how much they are going to be paid so that they can account for materials and workers. If your budget is set and you will not be flexible, then the contractor must know because it will affect the way that they can approach your task from a business standpoint.3b. Timeframe: If you need the building completed more quickly, then this will cost more because materials must be rushed and more manpower must be used. Your budget will allow the building contractor to consider a realistic timeframe, and then make alternative choices to approach you with a mutually beneficial contract.By including these five guidelines within your request for a proposal to a building contractor, you will ensure that you have a pleasant experience with nothing left up to chance on the business side of your dealings.