Every remodeling project needs an estimate. Why? Because estimates provide homeowners an idea of how much a project might cost. Notice I use "idea" and "might" instead of "will cost." Many variables happen, which can drive up (or down) costs, including materials, extra labor, and client changes.
My first step in putting together an estimate is visiting the client and looking at the project. I truly want to know the client's vision for the space, whether it's a bathroom, kitchen, basement, or living space. Clients can expect questions from me as well, which are to help me better understand their ideas and visions.
Some projects require an entire reconstruction of the kitchen, for example, so I spend time creating architectural drawings of the space for client review. Over the years, I've drawn site plans and created blueprints based on my clients' wants and needs. When deemed necessary by a city or county, I'll work with engineers to develop plans according to city specifications.
I always seek client approval with my drawings before moving forward and putting together an estimate. Once clients approve the drawings, I moved into the second phase of my estimate, putting together a materials list.
Over the years I've been in business, I developed many professional relationships with a variety of sources, and I spend time comparing prices and materials, hoping to find my clients the best deals on the materials the job needs.
Estimates are broken into specific categories so clients can see what the costs are: materials, labor, permit (if required), trash removal, and when the project requires it, architectural fees, including engineering fees.
I submit the estimate to my clients for their approval. If they agree, they sign the estimate and send it back. Approximately 80% of my estimates are approved by my clients. The other 20% might wait; usually it's because of finances. And some clients change their minds due to cost.
A written estimate is the best avenue for a client and a contractor to come to mutual agreement on the possible cost of a project. I say "possible" because there are variables on every job. Lumber might see a price surge, or my client makes a few changes to materials, or the project may not take me as long as I thought.
When doing business, for both the client and the contractor, a written estimate is helpful.
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