Opinion on Contractor Estimates- a general question

So, we got two estimates.

I have nothing to base it off of, because I have never done work like this-- but we are not doing anything MAJOR, but all the little projects add up and we'll be spending a substantial amount of money.

We got the first estimate and it looked good. My step dad says the pricing is fair. My realtor (who only works with friends of friends) gave us the name of this guy-- he did work in one of her friend's kid's houses and they were happy with him.

The other guy-- his prices are double, if not triple in some cases for the same work. For example, his paint estimate for 2030 sq foot house, was $8200 for the entire interior excluding the 15x21 living room. He did work for our friends up there, and they have a personal connection to him. They say he is very trustworthy and does great work. He also came in and when we walked through-- no project was straight forward-- everything was more complicated. "Can't just do x-- you gotta do a, b, c, d and e". To be honest, I kinda felt like he was a bit of an arsehole.

So, here we are-- two estimates. Of course, you go with the best price... BUT, do you really pay a premium for better work, or is the second contractor just trying to take advantage? I know contractors are notorious for trying to take people for a ride. Will the lower priced guy then have extra costs at the 11th hour??

Re: Opinion on Contractor Estimates- a general question

I am going to have a house larger than yours when my dormer is done.

And I would NEVER pay somebody $8200 to paint my house. Especially if that price does not include a large living room.

Re: Opinion on Contractor Estimates- a general question

Posted by ave1024

I am going to have a house larger than yours when my dormer is done.

And I would NEVER pay somebody $8200 to paint my house. Especially if that price does not include a large living room.

Re: Opinion on Contractor Estimates- a general question

I think the 'expensive' guy might be taking you for a ride. $8200 to paint is INSANE (ours is costing $4600 for 2000sf and that includes BM paint).

When it came time for us to decide on a contractor, we went with the person who had the fairest price and someone who understood exactly what we wanted. We were very comfortable with him and LOVE his work. (I'll gladly give you his name and # if you are interested).

So I say: go with whomever you feel the most comfortable with.

Re: Opinion on Contractor Estimates- a general question

That's ALOT for that size house.

I posted Leslie's painting thread a couple of week ago that we had our entire house painted (except 3 rooms) for around $3600 and it included the paint. My house is about 3500sq feet.

I do find Randi, that in certain neighborhoods, contractors bump up the price based on how "upscale" the neighborhood is. At least that's what I've come across since we've been in our house.

Message edited 6/22/2010 8:58:22 PM.

Re: Opinion on Contractor Estimates- a general question

Re: Opinion on Contractor Estimates- a general question

Re: Opinion on Contractor Estimates- a general question

He also may be busy but not want to turn work away. If a contractor is real busy they will pad the estimate. This way if you do say yes it is worth their while to take the work on. You never want to burn a bridge by turning work away. SO you just give a high number.

Re: Opinion on Contractor Estimates- a general question

I like to get more than 2 estimates so I can see how they trend, and what the middle ground is.

When we had our paver work done, I got 5 estimates. 3 of them were within $500 of each other - that tells me the right price for the job. One of the estimates, from a highly recommended company, was in left field at $3-4K more than any of the others.

I didn't go with the lowest but I didn't go with the highest either. I went with who I thought would do the best job for the right price.

Re: Opinion on Contractor Estimates- a general question

that sounds like a lot to paint the interior...

first off, i would never get ANY LESS then three (3) estimates... this way you have a high and a low and some that fall in the middle....right now you are flying blind..

second... go with your gut along with price, if someone seems like an a**hole... they probably are!!! if you feel like your being taken for a ride, it wont matter if you are or not.. you will always feel that way!!


third... and almost always over looked because it can potentially cost $$... background checks! or at least references... there is NO reason that you cant ask of names/numbers of people they have done work for it in past. if they are shady, they wont let you.. if they are proud of their work, they should have no problem showing it off!

Re: Opinion on Contractor Estimates- a general question

Definately sounds like #2 is extremely overpriced.

Normally when we hire someone I never get less than 4 estimates - it really helps to know what the normal price range is and then decide from there.