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 clients 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. 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, engi- neering, or product details. Spend some time and money to ensure you can provide the contractor
CONTRACTOR’S PROJECT QUOTES & ESTIMATES – 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 homeowner and a contractor can both achieve better results when hiring or selling their service.
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MARCH/APRIL 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022
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