I'm a contractor.If you are a good customer, he has likely done things for you, that in his eyes above and beyond. So, when you ask for a price and then don't use him he's going to think your relationship is about price whereas it is likely he has done things to keep a good relationship and client.

So, as with all things and relationships it comes down to communications. I think you tell him exactly what you told us, hey you do great work. I am getting ready to sell my house, I need to get a little "down and dirty" to get it cleaned up for sale. I am very interested in talking with you about some of the larger projects that I would like have you look at and bid for me in the new home.

I met with someone from a church group recently. I very rarely give out my subs but I knew they didn't have the money and I like the husband so I gave them one of my guys.

If you treat your relationship with the contractor with respect, don't be surprised if he surprises you. Talk to him, he may give you one of hus guys on a side job basis to help you knowing in the long term its solidifying the relationship.

How you are planning on handling it is not going to end well. And sometimes its not the contractor, its his guys. They will ask him, how come that customer that we worked so hard to keep happy didn't call us back ? He'll see their wounded pride.

Renovating houses together is like being married - over communicate.

Best of luck.

This is busy season for contractors. Sounds like you need piddly stuff done quickly. Don't even bother your guy for a quote. Save him the time.

It's a bit unfair to him to take up his time to prepare an estimate when you know in advance that you will likely not hire him for this job.

Business is business. I wouldn't be upset in his position. Are you a woman, OP?

Anonymous wrote:If you are happy with the quality of his work, why not just tell him straight out that these are pre-sale fixes that you are trying to get done as inexpensively as possible. Maybe he can work with your budget.

Thanks. I've considered that, but I suspect he will still be expensive. Also, a lot of the repair is plaster / drywall repair and painting -- a general contractor is not critical. I think I can get a painter for less than my contractor would charge even after a discount .

If you are happy with the quality of his work, why not just tell him straight out that these are pre-sale fixes that you are trying to get done as inexpensively as possible. Maybe he can work with your budget.

I have a trusted contractor whom I have used in the past with great results. -- but he is not cheap. I am planning to move in a year or two and plan to use him in the next house. For the sale of my current house, I have a few fixes to do. I am planning to get a quote from someone cheaper. I am concerned about getting a quote from my trusted contractor and end up not using -- he might be upset and not take me seriously when I ask for a quote for the next house.

Is this a common concern people have? Is it reasonable to refrain from asking him for a quote now to "save" him for the next house? Or would you just call him and, if you end up not using him, explain why frankly?

More generally, if you ever asked for a quote from someone and ended up not using him, do you call him again for another quote if or a later, unrelated job without any qualms?