In my industry it is common practice to provide a free estimate for services requested. This isn’t an unreasonable request. Nevertheless, it does come with a cost. Only it’s not something you pay for as the client.

It’s paid by me.

A free estimate process goes a little something like this.

You have heard about me somehow and you reach out to see what the steps are to get an estimate.

I contact you back and we set up a phone consultation.

On that call I learn about you, your project, and your budget. If we are a good fit, I will then set up the site visit.

During the site appointment I get measurements and take lots of pictures. After that your part is essentially done for the moment.

From that point I will build a project design board or design a floor plan. Then break it down by task and materials necessary to complete. I will communicate with a vendor for each trade (for example the licensed electrician or hvac specialist) and get their projected cost for their skills. I then type up a line itemized estimate

Once I have the estimate I will either send you an email with the total or meet with you personally at my office and go over it line by line. After that if you’d like to work together, I draw up a contract and we set a start date where I have the opportunity to work for you.

While you didn’t have to put anything out at this point. I have spent 8-16 hours on your free estimate. Costing myself anywhere from $800-$2,000 worth of my time and energy. So, when you are considering asking someone for a free estimate consider how close you are to actually being ready to go through with a project. Because it saves the contractor a lot of time and it also protects you. Most estimates are only valid for 30 days because the cost of material fluctuates so much.

I hope this was helpful and resourceful for you. With that said would you like to set up a call to discuss your project?

Bri