what was I thinking?

[grumpydasmurf]

The first guy who said "free esitmates" should be shot. What was he thinking? Look at what he did to our industry! Darryls post on the medical community stirred up alot of ill feelings, as discussions on the medical community always do.

Think about it, you pay doctors for estimates. Infact think about it you pay everyone except auto mechanics and construction/remodeling guys for estimates.

Now when people call me they ask "Do you give free estimates?" Of coarse I answer "yes". Then some go on to tell me in a shocked voice of horror "Do you believe XYZ said they charge for estimates?!" The whole time in the back of my mind I am wishing I could get away with charging for estimates and keep my job.

Here is my opinion of how free estimates should work:

I will come and measure and inspect your roof. I will discuss your ideas and goals. I will specify the best roof I can think of. You pay me before you get your hands on my price or specification. If you decide to use my company I will credit the estimate charge, on your final invoice, towards payment for your new roof.

[Rich]

Man.. do I ever agree with that. Think of what time and energy a general contractor puts into giving free estimates. I need to get all the bids plus my self-work for concrete, framing, and trim, etc..etc.
I think there should be some type of retainer for the bid.. like you said.. and then funded towards the job budget upon entering into a contract.

[mreynolds]

I have to say as a consumer I agree with you (This is probably going to sound weird). What I have come to realize that is time is money, and you get what you pay for. I have acutally offered to pay for a couple of estimates because I knew the time involved and I needed quality information. I needed a construction estimate for my home by a contractor as a contingincey to building the home myself, I offered the guy money because I knew upfront that I wouldn't be using his services. I have read on more than one occasion that if you want a good estimate, offer to pay for it. I can't say that I would always pay, but occasionaly I think it is a good idea.