We charge for estimates if you do not own the home and are considering purchase.
When we charge for an estimate, it is because we are told that the estimate may be used for shopping and/or litigation purposes and sometimes, we know that is will be a long and lengthy process with extreme demands for revisions for committees in Home Owner Associations or Apartment Managers.
Depending on the city you live in, it varies according to supply and demand. We are in San Francisco, and we normally do not charge for an estimate requested by a homeowner.
As far as trust goes, trust your negotiating abilities and the size of your wallet.
Each estimate may take from 4 to up to 10 hours, sometimes more, if done right. Meet, greet, write up, research, get sub contract bids, administrative and overhead. A lot of work goes into estimating accurately.
You should never give any money up front. The customer needs to check the contractor out thoroughly. I always recommend checking the local Better Business Bureau, Colorado Consumer Fraud Agency. I would also check the contractor’s Licensing, Insurance, References, and never give any money up front unless the contractor has delivered materials and is ready to begin work. In most instances it’s better to only give 33% down once the contractor begins. The rest of payments can be either progressive payments on a schedule or final payment at the end.
If the home is in your name, absolutely not. There are many reputable companies who offer free estimates. Be aware that many companies view these free estimates as purely sales calls, so be ready for a sales pitch should you call them. However, because of this, the idea of paying for an estimate is both absurd and a tactic to force you either into closing a sale with them that day (we’ll waive the fee if you sign today!) or a way to recoup losses if their sales team can’t woo you to sign. Be wary, be informed, and handle things on your terms.
With that being said, most companies will charge for estimates or other inspections on homes you are looking to buy because they are providing you with information for a home you choose not to purchase (particularly depending on the results of the estimate!)
As being a contractor on Buildzoom, we give free estimates to homeowners THAT OWN THEIR HOME, but we do charge people when they don’t own their home, or just using us as documentation. This process can be lengthy, or the homeowner never calls back, in which we don’t like to waste time. But we do careful work with the homeowners that are considering to do work on their property and also own their home.
Although we believe you should trust only what you’re comfortable with, it is important to know that there are many companies that offer free estimates as well. Research and inquiries are beneficial to any individual seeking the best results.
In and Out Builders Inc, for example, offers free estimates and will work directly with each customer to accomplish any and all needs.
Due diligence is key in your situation:
You should check the credentials of the company - are they insured, carry workman comp. insurance etc.
Ask for references and contact them.
As for estimates - ask if the cost of the estimate will be credited to you should you hire them? Estimates can take hours to days to complete (depending on the size and scope of the project) and there is a growing trend in California to charge for them. Why? Because it helps the contractor vet/ determine how sincere you are and if the project is a good fit for them. There is much that can be said about this and the vetting process. Don’t shy away from a company just because they want to be paid for an estimate.
Think of it like this: would you work for hours to days for free? Probably not. My point is this: your premise is misguided. Does charging or not charging for an estimate determine ones trustworthiness? Of course not. Trustworthiness is an issue of one’s character and business practices and not a matter of charging or not charging for an estimate. Good luck.
It is common practice to give initial project estimate for free. If a company is asking for any upfront payment for anything, it should be only when a contract was right away signed and the required down payment is detailed out.
