What to Consider When Getting Door and Window Replacement Estimates

What to consider when getting door and window replacement estimates

When taking on any home remodeling project, it’s easy for things to start adding up quickly. Especially if you’ve been quoted a higher price than you were expecting to get the job done. Here’s how to ensure you get a great deal and great value on your home remodeling projects.

Why do estimates vary so often?

As each contractor will have a different way of doing things, there are many factors as to why estimates can vary.  Here are three reasons why estimates will vary between different contractors for home remodeling:

Reason 1: Overhead expenses

Every business has varying operation and supply costs. So, there are several factors just within this part of the business that will affect their rates. Businesses don’t typically disclose overhead expenses, so you likely won’t see any price breakdowns on this end. 

However, it’s still important to keep this in mind when reviewing your estimates and quotes. Another thing to note is that the smaller the company is the less overhead it will have.

Reason 2: Recommended actions taken/Scope of work

Every contractor will have their own recommendations on how to approach a project. Some may include additional steps or things to do as precautionary measures and may refuse to take on the project without the extra steps recommended. This is just to ensure their work's quality is always exceptional and long-lasting.

Compare your bids and consider the differences in recommended actions. Some companies omit recommendations in the initial bid and then come back with large change orders and additional costs. While this may not always be avoidable, there are many cases where it can like costs for lead testing or permitting fees.

Others contractors may just give a quote on what is exactly needed for the job and may give outside recommendations that will be optional add-ons and upgrades.

Reason 3: The other variables

Since independent contractors operate as their own businesses, there are too many factors to truly account for. Ultimately, it’s up to the discretion of the contractor on a lot of things, such as their hourly/project rate, and even the price of products. For example, some contractors may have an established relationship with suppliers, some contractors can get lower pricing on materials.

Can I negotiate my estimate? 

The general answer in most cases will be you can negotiate when it comes to estimates and proposed contracts. However, there are situations where this is possible, but you may have to end up possibly cutting corners. 

If the estimate you receive is more than you had considered spending, you can ask the sales representative if the company is running any discounts or if that is their best price. Some companies may offer price match programs or discuss additional product options that fit your budget.

Additionally, newer contractors who haven’t developed a steady flow of clientele may be more willing to negotiate for a project. Ultimately, It’s up to the contractor whether or not they are willing to negotiate and go over your other options when it comes to getting the job done.

Always asking for an itemized invoice

It’s essential to get multiple estimates and ask for an itemized invoice. Getting multiple estimates from different contractors allows you to get a good price range for the project. Another way to compare estimates is to ask for invoiced details from each contractor so you can fully review what each project will entail.

Journi Gillette

Published

March 31, 2023

Updated

April 05, 2023

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