May 22, 2010 @ 8:03 am

I often get asked by potential new clients if I offer “free estimates”. And more often than not, they are free. There are several variables to consider however, in the end it can be summed up by simply saying ” what is this estimate costing me “? How can an estimate cost me money? Lets take an example from last winter where I was contacted by a potential new client.

This couple had just purchased a property with the intentions of renting it, and wanted an extensive remodel. New appliances, new flooring and carpeting throughout the entire first floor including the staircase. New kitchen cabinets and counter top, all new hardware, electrical outlets, switches, and cover plates. Repaint the entire interior and 1 wall of wood siding which was in deplorable condition. New down spouting, removal of asbestos wrapped plumbing pipes in basement..( this was used for insulation long ago )..handrails, and an assortment of other misc. items including exterior doors, railings and more.

After spending many hours on this estimate and meeting with the owners to submit it to them I was at that time handed a scope of work which they wanted adhered too. This scope of work was beyond what I had included in my original estimate and also what was originally discussed. Back to the drawing board…

I now have countless hours in putting together 2 estimates for this job, and as the investment of time on my part increases so does the need to be awarded the job so I am not “working for free”

After recompiling an estimate that included and covered their entire scope of work and resubmitting it to the owners..( my estimate was now 12,000.00 + over there original stated “budget” ) …I was then informed that because I was over budget they would be going with a less expensive estimate.

More recently I was given a lead on two jobs in two separate locations, both an hour away from me one way and an hour away from one another respectively. I informed the potential client that there would be a fee for the estimates which would be deducted from the total pricing from each project should I be awarded the jobs. The prospective client became immediately put off, almost offended, and immediately ended the conversation.

The fee I was going to charge for these estimates? A mere $125.00 and again this would only be charged to them if I wasn’t awarded the projects.

Time is money, this is an issue we all face in our working environments regardless of what your occupation is, or whether or not you are self employed or working for a corporation. We all feel the pressure put on us by our employers, our colleagues, or managerial staff.

No one want’s to go to work and be told ” you might get paid for doing this ” But in the end that’s what it really amounts too for me. While I do not charge for every estimate I give..( based upon overall time needed to complete the estimate and cost of job. These two variables go hand in hand for one another. )… I cannot work for free anymore than anyone reading this. Estimates are work Ladies and Gentlemen.