FAQ – Do you give free estimates?

 

Absolutely!

In my 25 years as a General Contractor, I have never charged for an estimate. I have heard that some contractors charge a fee for their efforts, sounds kind of silly to me. If someone is thinking about doing some work around the house, or taking care of some repairs that need to be done, I don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to bid. If the contractor isn’t getting enough work to justify giving free estimates, maybe they need to check how they do things.

Free estimate

 

There is a catch, I don’t always bid on every call that I receive.

 

contractor QR CodeIt doesn’t always make sense spending time running around and bidding on everything – Work would never get done! Last month I got a call from a woman who had three small trim boards that had dry rot. She lives an hour away! Even if I got the job, I’d be driving 4 hours total to put up $10 worth of wood. The cost of gas alone would be more than she would be willing to pay. But these jobs are the exception.

If you are interested in getting a free estimate from a General Contractor in the Sacramento area, call

Tromler Construction

916-765-5366

 

 

 


 


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Specialists in Dry Rot and Water Damage Repairs

 

 

Photobucket        

Tom Arstingstall
Tromler Construction
General Contractor
Specializing in Dry Rot and Water Damage Repairs

916-765-5366
 Water Damage Repair in Sacramento Dry Rot Repair Contractor in Sacramento

E-mail Contact

         Photobucket        

 

         

 

 
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16 Comments on FAQ – Do you give free estimates?

MAY
31
282,737 Points 11 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good plan, Tom. To drive that far for so little isn't worth it. It's good to know you are busy enough, but not desperate!
12:40am • #1
988,593 Points 82 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Never been charged for an estimate in my life, good policy Tom............pays off in the end too, I'm sure.  Smart catch too!
2:08am • #2
452,243 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Good to see you are keeping busy, it's been rough on the east coast for construction.
3:33am • #3
1,140,362 Points 154 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Great approach.  Our estimates are free too and some of my competition charges $35.  They then say they put it towards the cost of the job and I feel this puts pressure for the person to decide and I just don't think that is right.
3:35am • #4
1,190,060 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Nice to know you give estimates Tom. Seems only natural to know up front what a job will cost. Can totally understand you can't take every job if they are like your example. It has to make business sense.
6:08am • #5
780,022 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

There are other examples besides financial Peg. "It's probably something that we can't afford right now, but I just wanted to see how much it would cost", Really?
6:20am • #6
780,022 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

We all have to draw the line somewhere Roger. A local handyman may be able to help them out.
6:21am • #7
780,022 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

That's what I've heard David, hope things turn around soon.
6:21am • #8
780,022 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

 

I wonder how the contractor would feel about paying the homowner up front, but getting the money back if they got the job Debbie?

 

:)
6:26am • #9
780,022 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Some jobs may be too dangerous, too hostile, or unsafe. Sometimes it just makes sense not to get involved at all Al & Peggy.
6:26am • #10
683,419 Points 83 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

HI Tom,

 

Good to know that you choose to design your work to fit your priorities...and good advice for others...
6:41am • #11
587,013 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Excellent and yes sir I do free CMA's for anyone that contacts me!
3:22pm • #12
561,763 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I have several vendors that DO charge for bids..If they get the job, they deduct it but it still is hard to explain to a client why the vendor is charging... of course, so many banks and sellers now want a bid to know what is wrong with a property but they have not intention of repairing the property.. the contractors have gotten wise to that I guess.. It is good that you do it for free.. I still think that is a better policy.. and if you can't, then like you said, just decline it!
8:28pm • #13
780,022 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks janeAnne, we have to make some tough choices sometimes.
10:07pm • #14
780,022 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

You are providing a very valuable service to the people of Albuquerque John.
10:08pm • #15
780,022 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sheila, It was because of this very thing that I started getting more choosey about giving estimates. Contractors were asked for estimates with absolutely no intention of doing the work. We even get this from homeowners too.
10:08pm • #16


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Tom Arstingstall - An Uncommon Contractor (Tromler Construction): Builder-Contractor in Placerville, CA

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