At Harris Home Improvement we want to make sure everyone is on the same page before jumping off this bridge together. We like to take the slow route and have several appointments with you over the course of a few weeks to make 100% sure that our estimate accurately reflects what you want at the budget you set.
The short of it is this:
Introductory Meeting
Designs & Drawings (if necessary)
Preliminary Estimate
Second Meeting
Revision of Designs and Drawings (if necessary)
Revision of Estimate
Third Meeting
In most cases, by the third meeting you have a solid idea of what you want that will work within your budget and we are all on the same page as to exactly what is going to be done at what price. If not, this process may simply continue until we have all reached an agreement on how to proceed.
Now for the details. The first appointment is for us to meet in person, get to know each other a little bit, feel each other out, and get to know your project as much as possible. We'll take pictures, measurements, notes, and if necessary sketches. This is your opportunity to pick our brains as much as possible to help you come up with a solid plan.
The first appointment is always free and generally takes about an hour. If you are only looking to get a ballpark price for future reference, we can generally give you one by the end of this appointment. If you are ready to get your project started, then it's on to the next steps.
Before we continue, most projects only cost $300 for the estimate, and $300 for design plans if you require them. The only projects that cost more are such things as Additions or estimates that include multiple projects. Very small, simple projects are always Free Estimates.
However, if you choose us as your contractor for your project, then this becomes your Deposit on the contract and is subtracted from the total estimate, essentially making it a free estimate. On the other hand, if you choose a different contractor or have to cancel the project for any reason, then we've been functionally paid for our time and effort working up the estimate and design plans for you.
Our detailed estimates include a detailed description of the labor, the cost of the labor, the materials and any subcontractors we may need to hire, such as plumbers and electricians, so that you know what the project actually includes and where all your money is going.
We also include a Price Range to include extra time and materials for unknown or hidden variables that will undoubtedly reveal themselves throughout the course of your project. This way, you will know what the Maximum Cost of your project may end being before getting started, so it doesn't come as a surprise later. Generally, the actual value ends up being roughly halfway between the Price Range.
The second appointment is paramount, especially for complex remodel projects. This is where we find out if all the details I wrote down match all the details you are expecting. We want to make sure I didn't miss anything during out last appointment, or forget something, or misunderstand something. This is also when the Estimate Payment will be due at the very latest. We cannot release our Estimate or Design plans to you without this payment.
If all the details check out, we will then go over the details of how our business operates and what you need to know when comparing our estimates to other Contractors. Then we will go over what you can expect from us while we are working in the private space of your home for weeks on end, which is our 12 Principles of the Master Craftsman. Then we'll give you a list of previous customers you can reach out to as references, as well as a list of the Subcontractors we work with so you will know who you can expect at your private home. Finally, we will give you a list of Stores and products we recommend to purchase the products you need to select and purchase on your own for your project.
If the details need to be updated, then we will schedule a follow up appointment to go over those details again at no additional charge. Larger, more complex projects may require several appointments.
Once everything is set, the ball is in your court. It's up to you to compare us to other Contractors and make your decision on who you would like to proceed with. Under no circumstances will we ever pressure you to sign a contract with us.
Only the first appointment needs to happen in person at the place of the project area so we can take our pictures and measurements for our notes. The rest of the appointments can happen on Skype or Zoom if you prefer. We aren't lost with the times. Whatever is more convenient for you works for us!
Would you like help choosing the right Contractor for your next project? Give us a call now for a Consultation! 860-817-7191