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Is Your Estimate Still Good? - FAQ

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Home Builder with Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 CSL#642819

 

Is Your Estimate Still Good? - FAQ

 

 

I have written thousands of estimates over my general contracting career and they have covered more than I could possibly remember. Many choose to wait before agreeing to a home improvement proposal, I may be a good choice to think about our decisions and not be hasty. This have led to the inclusion of one line on all my estimates since those early years.

 

This estimate is good for 30 days.

 

I have honored many proposals well after the 30 day period. This statement is for my protection in a number of way, I have chosen to not honor a number of these for the following reasons.

 

The cost of materials to be used have increased significantly.

Conditions surrounding the job have changed.

I made an error in the original estimate.

Your attitude is such that I no longer want to work with you at this price.

 

So how do I answer the question, Is your estimate still good?

 

Probably, but if it has been a while, I will need to look at the proposal again to give you an answer.

 

Show All Comments
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Yes, I have that line on mine as well.  Material prices increase all the time and it's out of our control.  For a while, unfinished hardwood prices were increasing every 2-3 days, so for those items, I would say it was good for a week.

May 29, 2015 11:49 PM
David Popoff
DMK Real Estate - Darien, CT
Realtor®,SRS, Green ~ Fairfield County, Ct

Tom here in Conneticut 30 days is standard, with materials constantly changing you need such a clause.

May 30, 2015 12:04 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

I should add that it also helps in getting people to make a decision before the 30 day deadline Debbie Gartner !  

May 30, 2015 12:07 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

I agree David Popoff , I just don't think the consumer is as aware of this fact. 

May 30, 2015 12:07 AM
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

Tom,

 Great Answer, I like the 3rd one I do not want to work with you! Have a great day!

May 30, 2015 07:00 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Thanks Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert , it is always good to have an out. 

May 30, 2015 10:39 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Tom, unlike an appraisal ... most estimates are good for at least 30 days. 

May 30, 2015 10:52 AM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Good morning Tom.  I wonder sir how many people actually read or see the 30 day expiration?

May 30, 2015 08:26 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Tom, you're generous. I only give 10 days. In 2007, we had a copper spike that took a roll of 12/2 from $55 on Friday to $125 on Saturday. Local wholesalers were only guaranteeing prices for 2 hours. I have a contract proposal right now that is beyond 10 days, and it's a great job, but I'm not a big fan of the company. I may let the expiration void the opportunity. We'll see.

May 30, 2015 11:29 PM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Tom, definitely all good reasons not to stick to the original estimate.  People should let you know up front how long it will be before they make a decision about the job.

May 31, 2015 04:00 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

That sense to be the standard Kathleen Daniels . I've given estimates that were good for 48 hours before, people will respond if they really need too! 

May 31, 2015 05:08 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Mine is right at the bottom of the scope of work, in clear view James Dray . of course they may deny seeing it... 

May 31, 2015 05:09 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

Mike Cooper - There is a sick sense of satisfaction in at times saying "Too Late!"   

May 31, 2015 05:10 AM
Tom Arstingstall, General Contractor, Dry Rot, Water Damage Sacramento, El Dorado County - (916) 765-5366
Dry Rot and Water Damage www.tromlerconstruction.com Mobile - 916-765-5366 - Placerville, CA
General Contractor, Dry Rot and Water Damage

There is usually that sense of urgency when they are looking for a price, I wanna believe that they will have an answer right away Silvia Dukes PA, REALTOR, CRS, CIPS, SRES . Of course those same people often times disappear for months, then returning to be in a big hurry to get this thing completed.

Life of a contractor I guess! 

May 31, 2015 05:13 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

And I think giving an estimate via can and string is a great idea.  It's not written down, so you can't be held to anything particular!

Jun 04, 2015 12:00 AM
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