Categories

How long to wait for quote from contractor?

Question Icon
Posted by: from Bowmanville
9/21/2015 at 2:40:45 PM

We had three contactors in for complete bathroom gut and replace, they all said a week or two for quotes. We received two back but nothing back from the one will really liked. We called him and left messages asking him to let use know if he is still interested or not or needed more time. Should we wait or move forward.

Thanks,

Paul

REPLIES (16)
User Icon
Date/Time9/21/2015 at 3:07:24 PM

Hello,

Stephen from Living Space Improvements

Usually a week or two weeks seems long to wait for a quote. Why do you like this contractor if he's not responsive to calls and seems so long for a quote? What happens in the future if hes done his work and you need to have him touch up items? You may run into a problem trying to have him follow up!

Its a tell tale sign he's very busy or not interested.

User Icon
Jake from Modern Home Werx in Milton
Date/Time9/21/2015 at 3:14:31 PM

A week or 2 for a bathroom renovation quote seems to be quite a long time to turn around a quote, we turn our quotes around within 2 days. If you are experiencing this sort of communication problem at the estimate stage, that's a sure sign of the problems you will be dealing with on the project; doesn't sound reliable and I'd suggest to move forward without this contractor.

User Icon
Date/Time9/21/2015 at 3:31:17 PM

Hello,

Usually a week is about what we take it depends how big the company is some have more people employed and have some one designated to do the quotes witch makes it quicker then the average company . If this company is not responding and not answering your calls then that's a huge problem . It doesn't matter how small a company is anyone can take 5 min to return a phone call . This company your seeking is already not answering your calls or returning messages that is a huge red flag already and you haven't even started yet . I would recommend that you move on to the next contactor. The ones that gave you a quote and the ones that return your messages and answer your calls.

User Icon
Date/Time9/21/2015 at 3:40:02 PM

Better to move forward!

User Icon
Robert from ElecTriLight Ltd. in Oakville
Date/Time9/21/2015 at 5:45:10 PM

If he takes this long to get back to you, imagine he's over worked already. Or worse, it could be an indication of how the job might go as well....

User Icon
Date/Time9/21/2015 at 6:15:21 PM

The lack of response to your messages could be indicative of how the project will go. On a small project like yours, we give detailed scopes of work within two days. I would move on with someone else.

User Icon
Date/Time9/21/2015 at 6:30:45 PM

Paul,

When I do estimates, I tell the client it will be a few days to a week (depending on what is to be done) A contractor should at the very least, call you back with an explanation for a delay. Beyond a week, I would suggest you find another contractor to provide a third estimate. The prices should be relatively similar, assuming the material and work is identical for all, and what you really want is someone who will do the job properly. If the "nice guy" truly wants the business, you should have had an estimate by now. Time to move on. You might ask for references and examples of jobs done by the remaining two and number three, should you get another contractor to view the project.

Take your time and get the contractor who can provide the service that you expect. Remember, he/she doesn't have tyo be a friend, just someone you hire for the job.

Regards,

Mark

User Icon
Brian from Next Restoration in Rockwood
Date/Time9/21/2015 at 7:44:33 PM

I think its time to move on this company is over booked or on holidays.

User Icon
Date/Time10/3/2015 at 12:22:21 PM

Each company should let you know after the initial consultation as to what there turn around time is to provide a quotation. If they havn't contacted you after you made an attempt, then I would discard them from your list and contact others.

It if for this reason why we advise clients to contact 5 companies as to the typical 3 recommended by most. By contacting 5, you should end up with 3-4 quotations.

User Icon
Date/Time10/21/2015 at 2:31:53 PM

Mostly it shouldn't take a while till they contact you. However most of the time you need to provide the complete dimensions and details to be able to get a quote through phone or even Online.

User Icon
Matt from CCR Renovations in Whitby
Date/Time11/2/2015 at 10:03:56 PM

Hello Paul,

It typically takes a week or less for us to provide our full estimate to our clients.

You should never have to chase down a contractor for a price or response, that should be a red flag if the contractor isn't getting back to you.

Good luck with your bathroom renovation, I'm sure you will chose the right contractor to do the job.

Rachael Burden

Cadence Construction

User Icon
Date/Time11/9/2016 at 9:04:32 PM

Hello Paul,

It should only take one week max for a quote to be completed and sent. If for any reason we get delayed we always stay in communication with the homeowner to let them know when they will receive it.

If you've left messages and haven't received any kind of response then walk away, that is a red flag.

User Icon
Date/Time5/26/2017 at 5:40:38 PM

Hi Paul!

While it could be a less than desirable contractor, at Misty's Kitchens and Design, our experience with Contractors is that the good ones can get busy quickly!! This sometimes means longer wait times for job quotes.

But not always! The renovation industry has slower times (Jan-Mar) and busier times (April-December) but each year keeps getting busier and busier as house prices go up and homeowners are choosing to renovate instead of move. Wait times for quotes will get longer, guaranteed.

Other delays are:

- they may be waiting for quotes to come in,

- 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 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!

User Icon
Date/Time6/11/2017 at 11:21:42 PM

I normally take about a week before I give anyone a quote. I like to draw everything onto computer and have a meeting with my General. After we have chatted we have a meeting with the clients with my set of drawings and go over all the possibilities and work out an estimate followed by a written quote in two days accompanying the drawings.

Seriously if you don't see any drawings you shouldn't even sign up.

User Icon
Ken from Ottawa Bathrooms in Ottawa
Date/Time12/18/2017 at 10:34:55 AM

Move forward....if he cannot get you a quote on time, what are your chances with his work!

User Icon
Date/Time3/26/2019 at 2:15:40 PM

I believe you already have your answer in your question...you should never have to chase a quote!

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. Sounds like you were dealing with strictly a salesman...not a well rounded pro. Red flag.

Search the TrustedPros directory and discover the best contractors in your area.

Find your home service pro
Great renovations start with a great contractor.

Since 2004, TrustedPros has been helping homeowners find the right contractor for their home improvements and repairs.

Post Your Project

Within hours you'll be comparing offers from top-rated professionals. It's free to post and you're under no obligation to hire.

 
Trustedpros Inc. does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, safety, legality or usefulness of any Content, or Whether Content is Current and up-to-date, and TrustedPros Inc. Shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to your use or reliance upon any content or for content being removed or otherwise ceasing to be available. Please refer to the terms and conditions of use of this websites for more details.
Categories

Get quotes from top-rated contractors

x