We need more context. I assume this is in CA? We will ask because it changes how we protect the property, what room(s) we work in at any time, how long it takes, what hours we work, etc
There is zero difference in MA, everything is based off the use and not ownership. A 1-4 family you live in is the same as a 1-4 family that you rent out. The reasons I stated above are the reasons we personally ask about that. Having to work around people living there is a GIANT hassle. If we know it is a rental and the owner isn't pushing us to finish so they can get back in 2 days before we agreed on, we can tackle multiple rooms at once and charge less for a PITA fee. Where is it in MA?
@Jackson Sandland Could be a variety of reasons, and you didn't specify the work you were having him quote, but one reason could be to give him an idea of the type/quality of material/finishes to include in the quote. For example, if you were having him quote a kitchen remodel, he might quote higher end material/finishes (i.e. custom cabinets) if he knew it was going to be for your personal residence, and lower end materials finishes (builder grade cabinets) if he knew it was just going to be for a rental so he could save you some money.
I like to know for a couple reasons- I would typically charge an investor a little less as to make them a long term client and establish a relationship, if it’s a primary residence- do I have to deal with a pet, do I have to make sure I clean up every day, can I work longer hours/weekends if need be etc
And the quality of materials and final product are usually a better quality when it’s your primary rather than a rental that could get destroyed in a month..
@Jackson Sandland in my mind it’s important to know I’m going to meet a person at the property and they are going to be around to pay me progress payments. Contractors who’ve been in the business a while know how to narrow down their clientele.
@Jackson Sandland they always charge more for personal residences. Also, they may want to know if its a rental or a flip. So they know what grade of materials to offer.
@Jackson Sandland If your phone number is a CA area code and you are looking to get work done in MA he might be asking you to see if you are legit or not. Just a wild guess though. Who knows.
@Jackson Sandland as a contractor/GC investment and personal are 2 completely different beasts.
It’s like remodel vs new construction.
Different price points, different headaches, different things to look/care for/about.
Typically you wouldn’t hire a remodeling company to do your new construction home.
An your new construction company won’t touch your remodel.
As a GC subcontractors will also change. Dealing with a homeowner is a daunting task and not for the weak
Of heart. Your subs should be a representation of you as a GC. Homeowners expect quality.
Now investors are different they will take the price reduction and have it hurt quality. Investors find the sweet spot for just the right about of quality for the area. Price driven jobs usually means quality control.
Mechanics lien. They want to be able to put a lien on your property. The lien will be easier for them to execute on an investment property.
From a legal standpoint, this is the most accurate answer. Homeowners/owner occupants (typically speaking but all states have different laws regarding this) are offered higher standards of notice and protection regarding the home in which they live as opposed to a property owned by a legal entity or non owner occupant homes.
From there, any other reasons a contractor would ask would be for level of finishes, hours to operate, need to cover and protect furnishings, ability to work on all parts of home at once, etc.