FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.Â
If you can’t find your question below, please ask by email.
How much does it cost to sign up and use the platform?
Signing up is free and there are no subscription or lead fees. There is a small fee only when acquiring a project.
Who can participate in a bid?
Any contractor whose service type matches and within a certain distance from the ZIP code of the project site can participate.
How does the contractor estimate the project price?
The contractors can estimate the price with the uploaded bid information. The contractor does not need to visit the site or make face-to-face contact.
Is there any contractor information & evaluation?
Homeowner can check contractor’s star rating and comment posted by other homeowners, and contractor’s portfolios. In addition, homeowners can automatically connect to the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for referencing contractor information.
What is the role of the Q & A board?
The contractor posts a question about bidding information, and the homeowner posts an answer. The contractor can clarify the bidding information before participating in the bidding. The posted content is disclosed to all contractors.
What is the dedicated live chat room?
When the homeowner selects a successful bidder, MakeSpec opens a dedicated live chat room between the parties. The exchanged content is kept in the archive for one year. In addition, contractors can chat with subcontractors, helpers, and urgent delivery services.
How does the payment process work?
MakeSpec issues an invoice at the request of a contractor. When the homeowner fulfills the payment, MakeSpec transfers the payment to the contractor.
How do homeowners pay?
Use wire transfer. The contractor can offer a lower bid price because it does not charge a credit card processing fee.
If the SPECS & cost need to be changed during the project?
Discuss with each other on a dedicated chat room. The contractor requests the issuance of the balance payment invoice in consideration of the changed price.
How to negotiate the payment schedule?
The homeowner and the contractor can check the construction progress on the dedicated chat room and negotiate the payment schedule accordingly.
What is a 20% deposit?
MakeSpec requires a deposit of 20% of the bid price from the homeowner, and pays the contractor once the homeowner approves the mobile inspection list.
How does the general contractor search for subcontractors?
Tap Settings, then search for and select subcontractor. Both parties can share specs and communicate in a dedicated live chat room.
How to use subcontractor, helper, or urgent delivery service lists?
Select a right target from the list provided by the MakeSpec, and negotiate service item and cost in the dedicated live chat room.