📨 Module 8: Bidding & Winning Demolition Contracts
📝 Understanding Bid Forms, Bonds, and Terms
Demolition bids often require more than just numbers. Public and private projects may request specific forms, legal documentation, or financial guarantees.
- Bid form: Include scope description, alternates, unit pricing, and timeline
- Bid bond: Guarantees your pricing is valid (usually 5–10%)
- Performance bond: Ensures job completion if you're awarded the contract
- Payment terms: Net 30/60, retainage, or milestone payments
📌 Tip: Always read the Invitation to Bid (ITB) or Request for Proposals (RFP) carefully for submittal requirements.
🏛️ Public vs. Private Project Bidding
Public and private jobs follow different rules and expectations. Knowing the differences improves your odds of winning and protects you from disqualification.
- Public: Often posted on plan rooms, requires bonds, insurance, and compliance with prevailing wage laws
- Private: Negotiated terms, less paperwork, but tighter competition and more flexibility
- Public bids must be submitted on time and in proper format or they’re disqualified
- Private bids allow more opportunity for value engineering or phased pricing
🧠 Insight: Build relationships with general contractors and procurement staff to stay top-of-mind for future invites.
🔄 Scope Negotiation & Change Orders
Once awarded a project, scope negotiation can occur. Be ready to defend your estimate and respond quickly to requested changes.
- Identify optional vs. required elements in your bid
- Prepare unit costs for likely add/delete items
- Ensure all changes are documented and signed before executing extra work
- Keep a paper trail—especially for time-and-materials work
🧾 Golden Rule: Never perform extra work without a written, approved change order.
📣 Communicating Cost Impacts to Clients
Clear communication is the difference between trusted contractors and those clients avoid. Transparency builds long-term relationships.
- Include notes explaining each line item and its role in the scope
- Break down lump sum pricing into categories to show logic
- Explain risk factors and how contingencies are applied
- Prepare to discuss your equipment, crew size, and schedule in person
💡 Pro Tip: Always present pricing with confidence—your professionalism is part of the bid.
🔚 Closeout Procedures & Final Payments
Once the job is done, closing out the project correctly ensures smooth final payment and good references.
- Provide haul tickets, recycling reports, and final lien releases
- Walk the site with the client or GC for punchlist review
- Submit final invoice including change orders and retainage request
- Collect testimonials or photos for marketing portfolio
🧾 Checklist: Closeout forms, payment requests, and follow-up notes should all be part of your final package.