Before we proceed let’s make sure that you understand the terminology often used by home improvement contractors: Estimate vs. Quote
- An estimate is just that – an approximate cost for your project.
- A quote is a detailed, line-by-line breakdown of every aspect of your home improvement project and a grand total – the price you will pay upon completion of the job.
🔴 Consider & commit only to a written quote!
Estimates are often used by unprofessional contractors so that they can later upsell (charge you more) for ‘unforeseen’ expenses or surprises. Don’t fall for this deceiving practice!
- Professional, highly experienced home improvement contractors don’t use estimates.
- While you can never eliminate all surprises (what is hidden behind walls, under roofs, etc.), experienced contractors know what to look for in order to prevent surprises. How?
- By inspecting, measuring, and assessing conditions.
A home improvement quote is a time-consuming and expensive process. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of finding a reputable contractor, we’re here to help: there are a few warning signs that will help you distinguish a professional and experienced contractor from one that is unqualified and inexperienced.
Are you getting confused by the increasing number of low-cost offers from home improvement companies?
You’re not alone. This is a post-Covid effect and awareness of warning signs that come along with such quotes will save you regrets, stress, and money.
Low-cost quotes typically are typical with aggressive and pushy home improvement salespeople who don’t earn a commission unless they deliver a signed contract with a deposit and when the job is paid in full.
This pushy behavior (“you need to sign today or prices will go up”) is driven by current Covid supply issues: Shortage of production materials leads to a shortage of finished products (like windows, roofing shingles, siding, etc.), which lead to extended installation dates.
Home improvement companies selling replacement windows, roofing, siding, doors, or awnings, are dependent on manufacturers to deliver materials. Contractors who have been in business for many years benefit from long-standing relationships with manufacturers and a higher priority when it comes to delivery.
Why do some car dealers have cars on the lot and others are empty? They enjoy preferred status with automakers because of their longevity, sales, and reputation.
Warning signs that your ‘estimate’ is too good to be true:
- The contractor quotes you over the phone.
- The contractor’s prices are substantially lower than anyone else.
- The contractor seems rushed, spends 15 minutes, and pushes for a signed contract.
- The contractor does not bring actual samples of what you are purchasing so that you can inspect them for functionality, color, design, etc.
- The contractor never provides a detailed quote with line-by-line details covering every aspect of the job.
- The contractor avoids answering your questions with “I’ll check with the office later” or “this is Covid, no one has answers.”
Before you let anyone into your home, make sure you:
- Check the company’s rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site
- Google the company’s name and look for their Google reviews. Don’t just look at the number of reviews and star ratings but take time to read each review in detail. “Great contractor” is not a reliable review.
- Enter the contractor’s address into Google and ensure they are not working from a residential address or their home.
While Major Homes Corporation has been in business for 103 plus years and enjoys a stellar and unmatched reputation, we recognize that homeowners have options; we share these warning signs to educate and encourage you to make an informed decision, minimize your risk, so that you’re able to enjoy your home for years to come.
If you have any questions, please contact our 3rd and 4th generation owners: Mitchell and Jason Kersch: 718.229.5741
