We do a free estimate for every customer, when the scope of the project is within our standard services and area. When it comes to the estimates, they are just that, an estimation of what we think the project would cost based on the verbally given details. We usually give the estimate in terms of a price range, for example $12,000 – $18,000 for a new structure or extension with concrete.
For many projects where there are no variables, we take it a step further and provide a firm quote. These types of projects are usually re-screens, restoration, repainting, and other services where there are minimal details that are open to interpretation and or could affect the price.
For More Complex Project, or Projects That Need Review
For other projects, where design ideas are needed, zoning and setbacks need reviewed, the scope of work is not yet specific, a host structure needs to be reviewed, etc, we charge $85 for an on-site consultation and specific quote for the project. This generally applies to new structures where there was not one before but it could apply to service work as well where need to asses the condition of the structure and what we have to work with.
First for the best outcome, projects like these should be planned properly from the get-go. In proper procedure, they would be designed by an engineer or architect before getting bids. This would determine what is feasible with the constraints of the local zoning, and host structure conditions. It also leaves the design and ideas up to an independent third-party, and lets contractors focus on what we do best, building the structure (If you have engineered plans there is no charge for a project specific quote, just email your plans over).
Now you might not want to deal with finding and hiring an engineer for your project. In this case we need to assume their role in the project planning process and work out what is physically possible and within structural and zoning limits, and narrow down the project scope. These things can all take a few hours or more to do.
A No Pressure Sales Approach
Of course many companies offer to do this or something similar for free. But it’s not really free. Instead you get sent a well-trained, commission based, sales person disguised as ‘project consultant’ or ‘designer’ in an effort to get you to sign on the dotted line. The sales people come out for free, all with the intention of a pitch leading to a signature. If they weren’t good at making a pitch with pressure and closing deals, they wouldn’t come out. They probably have a ton of experience as a sales person, but little with construction projects. After you sign, your project is handed over to someone else and the sales person is never heard from again.
Quite frankly I don’t like commission hungry sales people. I don’t enjoy having to sit across a table and feel pressured into playing numbers games, and I wouldn’t want any of my customers to experience it. As such I don’t employ anyone with commission based pay. I find it bad business to handle sales like that. Sure, we might miss out on some sales, but it means a better overall experience for the customers that do go with us. Since we don’t have any commission sales people, this means that when we come out for the $85 consultation and quote, you’re not getting a sales pitch from a sales person.
Summary
To summarize, our estimates are free, but they are indeed just an estimate (a price range). A final quote for a project that has not been planned requires us to assume the role of ‘designer’, ‘engineer’, and sometimes ‘surveyor’. In a perfect world, these are usually handled independent of our estimate. Of course in many cases hiring everyone else just to get a quote, might not be feasible, or practical in these cases we’re happy to work with you to figure everything out for you and provide get you the quote for $85. Some might point out that other companies do this as part of their ‘free’ estimate however, the only thing you’re really getting for free is a sales pitch, by a well trained sales person (usually with little actual construction experience). Because we don’t believe that high pressure sales pitches and commission based sales people are the best for business, we charge $85 for an onsite consultation and final quote…. By someone who is not paid commission at all.
Ready To Schedule An On Site Consultation
If you’d like to get an on-site consultation scheduled, just start by giving a call or filling out a request for an online estimate, or contact our representative that you have already discussed your project with!
