dspacio
Branched out member
- Location
- Narragansett Bay
I only send out Estimates now. If I walk onto the job day-of and get a sense there may be work (find something once I ascend), I let them know right then. I stand by my price at least 9/10 times, but if I ask to add a few hundred bucks its really not a huge percentage in terms of an "Estimate".
Like @moss said, other contractors adjust their estimates routinely, and point to things they couldn't predict. that happens in the tree all the time, things invisible from the ground. People are pretty used to carpentry estimates increasing, I hear.
I recently called "hold" on a job, Walnuts with limbs way over the roof and no good T.I.P.; after looking and looking, even starting rope setting, I investigated a lift and will wait for it and add the cost. There is such trust from the client, and ultimately he knows I've assessed that the $500-600 upcharge is a worthy risk-mitigation to lessen damage chances to a roof in good condition.
It also will make my workday quicker and that may make the added cost nearly balance out. And I'll lower my (new increased) Estimate if it goes well. What may have felt like "backing down, flaking, or chickening out" actually deepened the working relationship and shows the level of care for their home and trees.
When I go to mention a change to the estimate I start by saying: "I am willing to honor the original price; .." and go on to describe what I found, did beyond what I expected, and the new number. Most people have had no problem, those that do go to the bottom of the list for future work, that's all.
Start with good news, insert the "bad news" in middle (price increase), end with good news; and gratitude they are willing to support you doing a safe job to the highest ability.
Like @moss said, other contractors adjust their estimates routinely, and point to things they couldn't predict. that happens in the tree all the time, things invisible from the ground. People are pretty used to carpentry estimates increasing, I hear.
I recently called "hold" on a job, Walnuts with limbs way over the roof and no good T.I.P.; after looking and looking, even starting rope setting, I investigated a lift and will wait for it and add the cost. There is such trust from the client, and ultimately he knows I've assessed that the $500-600 upcharge is a worthy risk-mitigation to lessen damage chances to a roof in good condition.
It also will make my workday quicker and that may make the added cost nearly balance out. And I'll lower my (new increased) Estimate if it goes well. What may have felt like "backing down, flaking, or chickening out" actually deepened the working relationship and shows the level of care for their home and trees.
When I go to mention a change to the estimate I start by saying: "I am willing to honor the original price; .." and go on to describe what I found, did beyond what I expected, and the new number. Most people have had no problem, those that do go to the bottom of the list for future work, that's all.
Start with good news, insert the "bad news" in middle (price increase), end with good news; and gratitude they are willing to support you doing a safe job to the highest ability.
