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getting fair estimates
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Anonymous
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I just called an architect to get an estimate for coverting a garage into a living space. He would not give the estimate until I gave the address. He did not have any more questions, just wanted address. I think he was looking at the value of the house to decide how much to charge. Does this happen to ther people? I find that something similar happens with every job that I have done. My sister who lives in a cheaper house says that I am always being ripped off.
Any suggestions? FWIW, we will not be using that architect. |
bakersman
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| Was he asking for the address so that he could see what needed to be done? |
Anonymous
No, he was not coming out to the house, he just heard my description of what I wanted done, then I asked for a ball park, then he asked for my address. |
Anonymous
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That does seem sketchy, but the sad fact is the cost of things varies a ton between different neighborhoods. It's not "unfair" if you agree to pay it.
The drycleaner around the corner from my house is exorbitant. I could drive to the suburbs and get the same cleaning for much less money, but this is what it costs here. People pay it, the drycleaner stays in business, and on it goes. |
Anonymous
NP here- somehow I think this is apples and oranges. The dry cleaner most likely has higher overhead than the one in the suburbs. For a contractor, there is no reason for an addition to cost more in Bethesda than in Germantown. |
Anonymous
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He cannot give an honest quote if he has not seen your space. Move on.
We are having extensive work done at our house located in a desirable part of town, and the painters, driveway guys, etc always ask for our address. Then they come over and give a quote, which I am sure is inflated based on our location. The best thing you can do, OP is to get several quotes and pick the most reasonable one. Which will not always mean the cheapest! |