Start with the same brief
Before you compare contractors, write down the project location, intended use, approximate size and current design stage. Separate essential requirements from preferences. Share the same drawings and brief with each team; otherwise, different prices may simply reflect different assumptions. If a drawing is unfinished, identify that explicitly rather than allowing each bidder to guess.
Look for relevant experience
Ask for examples of work similar in type and complexity to your project. A photograph alone does not tell you which work a contractor performed. Ask what their role was, what scope they delivered and whether references can be shared with permission. Check the business details and credentials relevant to your intended work with the appropriate sources.
Compare the scope, not only the total
Build a comparison sheet with materials, quantities, exclusions, assumptions, provisional items and proposed timing. Ask who coordinates specialist trades and who supplies drawings or approvals. A low headline figure can be difficult to interpret if substantial work is excluded. Clarify how changes will be assessed, documented and approved before work proceeds.
Understand day-to-day communication
Find out who your regular contact will be, how often progress will be reported and how open decisions are tracked. Ask how quality reviews and handover items are handled. A useful first meeting should leave you with named responsibilities and next steps, not only a promise of a completion date.
Prepare for the first conversation
Gather site information, drawings, reference images and a list of priorities. State any access restrictions or occupied areas. ANZYINE’s general contracting service starts with understanding this context so the proposed scope can be discussed clearly. For contract terms or regulatory requirements, seek advice from the appropriate qualified professional.
This is general project-planning guidance. Confirm project-specific technical, contractual and approval requirements with the relevant qualified professionals.
