How long should it take to get a quote for a bathroom reno?

2/11/2015 at 12:13:29 PM

Don't be scared just be cautious.

They should be following up with you.

Keep look till you find some one your comfortable with and can answer all the questions you may have regarding your renovation.

2/11/2015 at 12:15:59 PM

Truthfully it shouldn't take more then a couple of days to get a rough estimate. It's just a basic crunch of numbers, and if they have physically been to the location and seen it already, then it could take a few extra days to be more accurate with a quote.

Personally if they were qualified and or professional, then they should have given a reason for not submitting the quote, or refusing to quote.

If you have any concerns with it, check into the background of the companies and see if there is any reviews on their work. If you aren't in a hurry to complete the job, then wait a little longer, but if you are looking to have it quoted and completed asap, maybe you should check into finding a new contractor to come out and take a look.

I hope this helps and assists you with your dilemma.

Good luck with the job, hopefully all goes well for you.

Terrance

A Few Good Men Construction and Services

Windsor, Ontario

2/11/2015 at 12:18:15 PM

Our process is to set up a site visit within 2 days we look at your project give our input and a base quote ..within 2 days from first meeting our designer will call you and set up a design consultation to design and source your fixtures and tile ...after design consultation it takes 3-5 days to give you a exact quote and timeline as per design .If you are struggling with just getting a quote its a tell tail sign of how the contractor will manage your job and how they will respect your time. After25 years in the business in always surprises me that homeowners ignore red flags go with your intuition if it feels wrong now don't hand over a check a contractor should work hard to gain your business and trust ..shop around don't rush and listen to your gut.

2/11/2015 at 12:26:33 PM

For pricing a washroom out should not take no more then 4 days but this time year lots of people are looking pricing for project's.

2/11/2015 at 1:04:08 PM

Don't be afraid of scaring contractors off. You should be asking questions. My favorite clients are informed ones as it makes my job easier to plan out and implement. If a contractor does not want to get a permit, he is not the guy you want. That being said, please also understand that there is a cost involved for the permit process. Depending on the size and scope of the work, this can get somewhat expensive. However the expense does not even come close to the expense of hiring the wrong guy and having to do it all over again and repair any subsequent damage. . Look at it as an insurance policy to ensure the work is done properly and to code.

Electrical work MUST be carried out by a valid 309A licensed electrician. This is a separate permit that only a homeowner or licensed electrician can get. Plumbing does not require a licensed person to do or to acquire a permit, but is a good idea.

Sometimes people get busy. if its been a week, send a courtesy email or call to check in. As for the other one - maybe he isn't interested or doesn't have the time, but at least he called to say he wasn't interested. Common practice with many is to price yourself out of the job instead of actually saying you're not interested. There are many contractors out there so don't panic. Find one you are comfortable with even if it means having to wait longer for them to start. The last thing you want is to regret your choice. You can effectively use this time to shop around and get different ideas for your space to ensure you will be spending your money on something you love.

Feel free to contact me directly if needed

Cheers

James

2/11/2015 at 1:12:47 PM

Hi guys. I just happened to see this posting while doing tax preparation. It sounded familiar, so I just want to explain why I turn down some projects. There may be other reasons these contractors walked away from preparing a quote. And sometimes it's best for the contractor not to say why.

Here are some of my possible reasons:

1. Expected timeline doesn't work.

2. If too much time and resources is needed in planning and legwork needs to be done without assurance of getting the job.

3. If the job is more than I want to take on at that time.

4. Not confident that the owners are aware of realistic costs for the size, complexity, and requirements of the job. They must already have a good idea of ballpark costs.

5. (Not a nice-sounding way to say this one) If I sense that the owners are going to be a bigger challenge than the project itself, I have often declined to provide a quote, and even declined further commitments after the quote because of unrealistic expectations without payment.

Or, if I sense that the lady of the house who is in the house and who is a decision maker in the project but makes no attempt to introduce herself and meet me as a contractor working in her house when I come to see the prospective project, it just signifies something to stay away from.

In my case, I will pretty much do almost any job if the conditions are right for people who respect and appreciate the time of trusted and reputable contractors. It's not always about the job or the money.

Hope this helps. All the best.

2/11/2015 at 1:45:10 PM

You should keep looking until you find someone who can be attentive to your needs. One week is far too long to wait, unless the estimator has specified one week.

2/11/2015 at 2:54:14 PM

There is no set time for providing a firm quote - it depends how busy your contractors are and how complex the reno is; having said that, they should keep you informed at all times. (You should also bear in mind that some contractors who are available to begin work immediately....... are available for a reason! Really good contractors are booked in advance almost all the time.)

& perhaps the first question you should be asking contractors is "are you licensed & insured?" Because any decent, licensed, insured, professional contractors would be happy to discuss your permit requirements and reassure you that they only use licensed & insured plumbers and electricians. If you feel you are scaring them off by asking those sort of questions.......they are not the contractors for you.

You say this is your first reno; so this is a great opportunity to find a good contractor with whom you can build a good working relationship that will hopefully last for many years. Take your time and trust your instincts!

Good luck with your project!

Michaela

2/11/2015 at 5:51:10 PM

If the two contractors you had look are your project, are true professionals, they would not be surprised or scared off by your questions about permits and licences. You have the right idea and are doing the right thing by making sure that the people you hire to do your work, are qualified and licensed.

The pricing of a bathroom renovation should not take more than 4 days but sometimes contractors are pricing more than one project at a time, so it might take a few extra days. However, the first contractor should have updated you on his progress preparing the quote or whether he is even planning to send you one. You could give him a couple of extra days to respond or maybe it is time to call someone else to come and see you project.

Good Luck.

Lisandro

2/11/2015 at 6:19:06 PM

Once a contractor has looked at your project you should hear back within two days if everyone is sincere

2/11/2015 at 6:47:53 PM

Hello,

It's unfortunate that you are having problems and the job hasn't started yet. Buyer beware.

Standard bathroom should range from 8-15 k.

Regards,

Pat

2/11/2015 at 8:05:02 PM

Check with your local Builder's Association for names of professional Renovators.

There are a lot good ones out there but unfortunately there also are the others.

Do not panic or rush in selecting the right one.

2/11/2015 at 8:27:10 PM

Hello Chris and Daina,

An experienced contractor should be able to give you a pretty good idea what your project will cost, just by popping out to his truck for 15/20 min.

2/13/2015 at 9:14:25 AM

Hi,

Quote should not take more than a few hours as a professional always knows and can estimate the cost involved in a project. But we contractors always take adequate time to prepare quotes. Once we are invited for bidding we take pictures of the project and and then discuss between our team all the options that we have and then make an reasonable bid.

Kamal

7/9/2018 at 10:12:31 PM

Hi Guys!

While it could be a less than desirable contractor, at Misty's Kitchens and Design, our experience is that the good ones can get busy quickly!! This sometimes means longer wait times for job quotes. (But not always!)

Other delays are:

- they've received numerous calls and are a smaller company with 1-2 employees so getting back to clients takes a little longer.

- they prefer to present a detailed quote and want to present it IN PERSON (which takes time and availability to meet you)

-or they feel the job is simply not a good fit for them.

Every contractor is different but in general a Contractor should always try to give clients an idea of when a quote will be ready and set that expectation ahead of time for you.

In the meantime, checking reviews and references for that contractor could give you some insight to know if they are worth the wait!

3/26/2019 at 2:30:08 PM

The contractor should specify when he / she will submit their quote before leaving the site. However, things happen & they may need an extension. It is up to the contractor to inform you if an extension is required.

Despite how "busy" the contractor is, it only takes a few minutes to inform you that they need a little more time to submit their estimate...as this is understandable & does happen.

You never have to chase a pro.

As far as scaring some off...no such thing if you are dealing with a legitimate professional. In fact, consider it as part of your weeding out process!!! Great tactic!!! Keep asking those questions for all your future reno needs! The right contractor will not only answer those questions but guide you through the process if required!!!

Best of luck in your future reno's.