Professional Marietta, GA on Jul 03, 2012

All Men Are Created Equal. Free Estimates For Remodeling Work? Are Not.

Before heading out to celebrate this Independence Day, we wanted to share our latest addition to our Atlanta remodeling resources on the web. While there is no shortage of offers for Free Remodeling Estimates, one must be cautious that comparing these Free Estimates is about as easy as comparing apples and oranges.

Some questions we ask our prospective clients are:

-Have you ever compared three estimates before? They will likely be in three different formats. How will you know what is and is not included?

-How does the prospect of change orders being presented to you on a regular basis once the job starts make you feel?

-Are you looking for a firm price that is unlikely to change OR are you interested in an attractive low price which goes up and up because the contractor simply bid 'what was on the plans' or low-balled the estimate to win the project?

Read More On Our Website: http://www.akatlanta.com/-Free-Estimate-For-...

14 Comments

Lori J Broken Bow, NE

We have a local plumber who is the most amazing and reliable man I have ever met. He is there when he says he will be. His estimates match his bills, and both are blessedly reasonable. He tells you exactly what is going to be done, what it will take to do it and then does it.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 1
Carol M Alpharetta, GA

I would generally agree and wouldn't mind paying for an estimate. Our problem is finding contractors that will 1. Actually show up 2. Follow through on sending a quote after spending time with us going over the scope of work 3. If they don't want to do the work tell us! 4. Let us know if our budget is too small for them to consider 5. Return phone calls or emails.
If contractors are busy they should let perspective customers know that and manage expectations accordingly at the first meeting.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 2
AK Complete Home Renovati... Marietta, GA

Carol, you are absolutely correct in what your expectations should be from a contractor.
We have heard those same comments from our customers when they attempted to connect with other contractors. If you would like a quote for work on your home please contact us at info@akcompletehomerenovations.com or call 770-587-5722 and someone will respond back to you within 24 hours.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 0
Lori J Broken Bow, NE

Our worst nightmare was an electrician who bid a job at between 550 and 650 dollars, then billed us for $1200. No discussion during completion of the job, billed me for labor for his son who sat on the roof chatting and handed another electrician a pair of pliers now and again.Really brought out my inner beotch. After much loud and public complaining, we were billed for and paid for what was bid. Found out that this is SOP for this fellow. When you find a good contractor, sing their praises far and wide and when you don't--raise a ruckus.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 2
AK Complete Home Renovati... Marietta, GA

Lori, these issues go on all the time. You are correct in singing the praises of the great plumber you found. Too bad for us in Atlanta.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 0
Patti N Metuchen, NJ

I totally agree. I've had contractors come by, spend time, say they'll send an estimate and... nothing - not even a phone call. If I did that in my business, there would be a huge problem. It is just plain unprofessional.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 2
Carol M Alpharetta, GA

@AK - thank you for the offer. We have someone coming out on Monday to do a couple of things and we'll see how they do. Will keep your information.

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 1
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

In the past 3 years we have had a lot of work done. Outside of house painted--received recommendation from neighbors who were most pleased; new roof--received quote from online inquiry and chose this firm because he was the only one who actually went up on the house to check out old roof; installed new windows--selected this company because they were the only one that had workmens comp insurance and liability and had a top rating with Better Business Bureau; chose gutter work again on ...»
reference from neighbor! A lot of workmen are NOT Contractors and "fully insured" does not always mean W/C. Our plumber grew up with my son, is expensive and over the past 20+ years we have never had a call back! I always recommend him! I would NEVER contract for an extensive, expensive job without a performance/surety bond!

on Jul 03, 2012 · Like 1
Lifetime Services, LLC Jacksonville, FL

Ya'll bring up some good points. I like to try to include everything, but that can be impossible.

on Jul 05, 2012 · Like 0
Bill Longview, TX

I add 5% to each estimate to offset expenses occurred figuring "free" estimates. I can do or get done anything you want with professional results except interior design or civil engineering services. I won't write a estimate until you know exactly whatcha want done, with and when.
Many "contractors" flat out lie about insurance. Always ask them to prove it. They should be carrying forms from their agents that verify their various policies and bonds are current. Be leery ...»
of those saying and showing they carry workman's comp. It's horribly expensive so many just have coverage on the supervisors and then use noncovered subcontractors to do the actual work tho you're being charged for their coverage, too. That helps them increase the profits from your job. There may be a way to check on that from the agent.

on Jul 07, 2012 · Like 0
Carol M Alpharetta, GA

Going to have to add something - coming prepared. Person is here today and in about 1/2 hour of his arrival he had to go get some things. One of them he knew over a week ago and even took a sample. It's now been over an hour. Very frustrating.

on Jul 09, 2012 · Like 0
AK Complete Home Renovati... Marietta, GA

Sorry, Carol. We know how frustrating that is!

on Jul 09, 2012 · Like 0
AK Complete Home Renovati... Marietta, GA

Carol, How did everything turn out?

on Jul 11, 2012 · Like 0
Carol M Alpharetta, GA

AK - so far so good. Part of if the work is one of those things where only time will tell. Thanks for asking!

on Jul 12, 2012 · Like 0

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