FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
BuildZoom's contractor sourcing and vetting service are 100% free to homeowners. Every project is matched with a dedicated project consultant who will help get things in place so you have the information you need to make an informed hiring decision. Homeowners pay the contractor based on your mutual work agreement, and the contractor will pay us a small referral fee. BuildZoom also offers a paid premium service where a team of project managers will work on your behalf to review plans, analyze proposals, avoid future problems and help cut costs. Learn about the premium service by asking your Project Consultant for more information.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
"1. Tell us about your project- The first step is a phone conversation where we learn where you are in the process, whether it’s building permits in hand or ideas in your head. After learning more about your needs we will chart a clear path forward. 2. Start the Search- Our experts handle the talent search, so you don’t have to sift through pages of confusing online reviews, only to come to the wrong conclusion. From our extended network, we find and vet talented local architects and contractors that are a perfect fit for your projects. 3. Review Options- Your project consultant will present architects or contractors who best fit your project goals and criteria. We will review their resume and portfolio together so you can get to know your options. 4. Meet your Options- Your project consultant schedules in-person meetings with your top choices. This is a chance for you and the contractor or architect to learn more about each other and what it is like to work together. We will prep you to ensure you get the most out of this meeting. 5. Request Bids- We send a formal RFP (request for proposal) to get some real numbers. Your project consultant will follow up with the professionals so you receive timely responses. 6. Apply for Financing- If you’re looking for help with financing, we can introduce you to lender options and put together a lender packet for you. 7. Align Bids- All general contractors have their own ways of bidding, which can make it hard to understand the best option. Our experts review bids to ensure nothing was omitted or incorrectly specified. We then standardize all the bids so they are easy to compare. This process eliminates changes mid-flight, removing complexity and issues down the line. 8. Review Bids- We walk you through the bids in detail. We go over our analysis and the numbers so you understand where all costs come from. 9. Negotiations- Negotiation is all about leverage. Our project experience and our relationship with architects and contractors means we can get better final numbers on your behalf. 10. Make the Decision- You now have all the information you need to make an informed decision on whom to hire. We are there to help. 11. Review the Contract- We double-check the contract to make sure everything is in order and that you are protected. After that, you’re ready to start building!
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BuildZoom's Team of Project Consultants, Project Managers, and Associate Project Managers are experienced construction professionals, well equipped to provide peace of mind when navigating the complexities of construction.