I prepared a detailed estimate and MTO for a client who would act as the GC for their basement development. Actually, I prepared a number of estimates and MTO's with different options. They mentioned we were the only company that could do most of the work (other than HVAC, plumbing, electrical). After spending the time revising and setting up the estimates exactly how they wanted (so they could easily compare each scope of work with other estimates), they got back to me and told me they would do some of the work themselves and have a different company do another part and were still waiting for another estimate to decide on yet another part. That leaves us with maybe 25% of the total estimated amount. Not only is the job much, much smaller now, I am left with framing and millwork. So I would frame everything, leave, and then have to come back after all the other stuff is done to do the millwork. If you were in a similar situation, would you go forward with this or back out of the job?
Thanks for your help!
Hi there...
Feels like you are being used/milked for info/details
I would back-out.
There is at least 4 houses in Burlington here that have my design/ideas/signature all over them, but I never got to build them.
......I learned the hard way.
Hope this helps,
Gerard Schoeman
Betterbuilt(2525)
905-971-0158
If I were in this situation I would up the costs if needed on the framing and millwork. I always charge slightly less if I am in control of the whole project-as managing the schedule allows for added profit potential.
I would increase framing and millwork by 10-15%. Tell them they can book framing and pay for that portion in its entirety once completed.
Tell them you will need 1-2 weeks notice to schedule the millwork portion-take a 15% deposit for this portion. If they schedule then cancel or postpone-keep that deposit. If they want to play GC themselves-let them but protect yourself. There is no sense in schedulng a day then you find out the day before things are not ready leaving you out of work. That 15% pays for that day you sit at home when they cancel.(might be more of a percentage-you know your costs.)
These clients sound like price shoppers and in all honesty, seem more focused on their wallet then their project so don't expect them to respect/care about you making your wage. Protect yourself, understand you kight have to deal with overlap from other trades being on site, or a have mess left by the drywallers. Noone wants to work in messy jobsite environment. Make all parameters clear. Clean jobsite, clean hand off, your the only one on site, and secure payments.
That or walk away! Up to you. Thats my two cents, best of luck sir!
Regards,
Tom
Elliott's Trusted Trades
Hi Alaine
Unfortunately this sounds like a series of problems waiting to happen. If you feel brave and " Revise " your Estimate minus all the other components but make a Clear note that if the other components are different than in your original estimate description than your Revised Estimated cost could more/extra. If certain items have changed from your original observation
of the job then obviously the revised estimate must reflect though changes. Details in your estimate make all the difference, or walk away.
Hi I would walk away because you may not get paid in the end
As many before have stated they are using you to get information and using your estimate to draw other contractors in. I would walk away or adjust your price up 15-20% as it is clear your original estimate was based on you doing the whole project
Mark McCormack
CMJ Renovations
Hello
If I were you I would think long and hard before deciding. It sounds like your getting the part no one else wants to do. If financialy its affordable I would pass on the job. It seems like theres too many cooks in the kitchen.
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