If a client starts picking and choosing what they want you to do and not do from your estimate, do you move forward?

12/18/2018 at 8:13:30 AM

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

12/18/2018 at 8:17:42 AM

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

12/18/2018 at 8:38:50 AM

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.

12/18/2018 at 11:45:35 AM

Hi I would walk away because you may not get paid in the end

12/18/2018 at 7:17:14 PM

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

12/20/2018 at 5:54:15 PM

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.