Renovation. Scope. Time line.
As the person helping you accomplish your project, I have found good communication from the very beginning to be one of the most important parts. That being said, I typically wait to give that answer with the estimate for two reasons. 1. It allows me to look at the job schedule and make sure all of my “subs” are lined up and 2. It allows me to give my customers a realistic answer.
Note: This is also a pretty good indicator of people’s attitude. It typically lets you know if they are reasonable or impatient. If they lean more towards impatient it is a non offensive way to start on a level playing field. I have found through many years of experience that giving “off the hip” answers usually doesn’t benefit anyone and lets the customer feel that they are entitled to immediate answers. As General Contractor’s it is important to remember we are professionals in the construction industry. Building and maintaining business (sustainability) comes through proper planning and decision making. There is a difference between just a quick answer and an informed or technical answer. However, allowing yourself to feel pushed to give “quick answers” usually doesn’t end well. Hope this is some help.
Every Homeowner will ask and I tell everyone it depends on what changes you make during construction project.
- John
DURING a project, I have never had a customer…NOT, ask this question.
I have noticed, that even after having submitted Estimates, and or Bids…upon being signed by the customer ( I must ASSUME that they have read what they have signed)…
Once a project has begun, the customer, for some reason…has some reason, for wanting to cut the project time down…whether or not money is the issue, or they feel that it is affecting there FOOTBALL schedule, or Soccer Games…there is always SOME reason to try and rush a Contractor.
I KEEP my customers …IN THE LOOP…from the moment a contract is signed, and have noticed that by doing this…they feel as if they are an ACTIVE part of what is going on…and therefore , are more apt to be patient, and more intent on watching the whole project, unfold around them.
It is a great feeling as a contractor, to have a customer come up and tell me…“I really appreciate the job you are doing for us”…OR…“I am learning so much, thank you fro keeping us involved”.
These are 2 comments that I hear constantly…It makes me smile!
There will be many dependent factors, location, style of build, number of storey’s, level of specification.
The important thing is to remember speed is not essential; it is far better to do things right than rush.
The most important parts of a home are often the unseen ones, foundations, slabs, walls, insulation etc.