Putting together a detailed estimate takes time, therefore a client should do some work prior to contacting the contractor. Research on-line for ideas, have photos of ideas, know your budget and if it is realistic and for more detailed or larger projects hire a designer. Keep in mind that free estimates do not typically include designs, engineering, or product details. Spend some time and money to ensure you can provide the contractor with details of what you want and need in your renovation, then you will get a more accurate price and the contractor will know you are serious about doing the renovation and not just price shopping. If you have not hired a designer, then write a list of the things you want included in your renovation. This list can and should be accompanied by photos of products and styles, notes on electrical, plumbing, flooring, trim, etc., the more detailed the better. We often call this list a “Scope of Work” which can be provided to multiple contractors to have a consistency of estimates. Howmany estimates should you solicit? Typically, three (3) estimates will provide a good appreciation for the price of the job. The strategy of having three prices is to have two prices that are close to the same, which allows you to eliminate the high or the low price, which may have an issue if drastically different from the other two quotes. More often than not, if the low price is more than 20% lower, then there may be an issue, either something was missed, or they didn’t understand the scope of work. It is equally important to invite contractors of similar reputation and capacity so you will be able to compare “apples to apples” with their estimates. This requires research on behalf of the client to find reputable, reliable contractors who are qualified
FREE ISN’T ALWAYS WORTH THE PRICE!
by Dan Monk E veryone has heard the phrase, “You get what you pay for” so why do people ask for a free estimate, free consultations or free designs from a renovation contractor? Better yet, why do contractors promote “Free estimates?” Let’s discuss these two interesting questions and how a home owner and a contractor can both achieve better results when hiring or selling their service.
Why should a contractor provide a free service? There is a belief that contractors should provide free estimates to potential clients, because they need the work and that is how you get work; by giving away your time and knowledge. I am not saying that contractors should start charging for all estimates, although it would cause potential client to value the time and knowledge it takes to complete this request. What I am suggesting is that clients need to be reasonable with their expectations of a free service and respect the time and effort that is required.
HALIFAX’S TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS for KITCHEN, BATHROOM and BASEMENT RENOVATIONS
K I T C H E N • B AT H R O O M • B A S E M E N T • A D D I T I O N S E X T E R I O R S • D E C K S & A N Y T H I N G I N B E T W E E N !
2018 RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR 2017 MOST OUTSTANDING KITCHEN RENOVATION 2016 RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR 2016 MOST OUTSTANDING KITCHEN RENOVATION
2016 BRONZE WINNER! SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS
We would like to be your contractor of choice. Please call, email us: (902) 497-0011 info@monkreno.com www.monkreno.com
36
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2019
37 OCTOBER 2019 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online