remarked--
What exactly will be done for the fixed bids?
If the bidders said "wire to Code", that leaves a LOT of leeway. Leeway as to number of general lighting/convenience outlets circuits, whether each room has a ceiling fixture (and if so, whether the box is rated for a fan or heavy fixture), and so forth. And leeway on quality of materials--the bid may include the cheapest receptacles available, and they may be installed using the spring backwire holes (Code-compliant, but generally considered a second-rate technique).
So for the bids,, by all means write up a contract that spells out what will be done, how it will be done, and what materials will be used.
The fixed bid guys will always be looking to cut corners in time spent and materials, to maximize their profit. The guy who wants to go with a time and materials approach may not be motivated to move as fast as the fixed-bid guy. Get references on the T&M guy, if he's been an efficient and diligent worker on past jobs, he'll probably be one on yours.
To George--Wow! Only your carpenter can drill a hole in a member! Do you mean that the electrician must point to each place he wants a hole in the framing, and then the carp drills it? That sounds real efficient.
Or are you talking about engineered members like I-beams or trusses? Even then, it seems wildly inefficient to not trust the sparkys and wetheads to properly drill the holes they need. If you don't trust them to know what's acceptable, give them the fact sheets describing acceptable holes and notches. And backcharge them if they screw up.
And remarked--e-mail me at cap2053@aol.com if you want to discuss criteria in detail.
Best of luck in your restoration--
Cliff
