When can you come out to give me a quote?

“When can you come out to give me a quote”? Too often that is the first question that clients ask a contractor. I believe that first question stems from so many contractors advertising free estimates. When potential clients choose to call Capstone, we are very grateful for the opportunity to serve, however we have a different approach. To end a long term myth, there is no such thing as a free estimate.  One way or another you are paying for the man hours of visiting your property, inspecting, consulting, and estimate preparation. That payment comes in the form of higher job prices or low ball pricing to get in the door and then start adding to the initial price.

Is it a bad idea for the contractor to know your motive for your project before hopping in his or her truck to give the “free estimate”? Is it a bad idea for the contractor to know your thoughts on a budget to make sure we are in the same ball park, before hopping in his or her truck to give the “free estimate”? Is it a bad idea for the contractor to speak to all the decision makers when he or she visits the property to ensure that everyone is on the same page?  Is it ridiculous for the contractor to want to protect your time as well as his or hers to determine the potential fit for your project?

Your investment in your project is important and selecting a contractor to collaborate with should be important as well. Spending a few minutes on the initial call with a contractor to fully understand what you are looking for provides a great start to selecting the best contractor for your needs.