Have you ever asked an acquaintance for an estimate for work on your home?

Has anyone ever asked an acquaintance to give an estimate for work and then not use them because of price compared to other estimates?

I have a father to one of my son’s daycare classmates coming to our home tonight to give us an estimate on a new heating/cooling system. In the event that we do not go with him I feel like it might be awkward. I have no idea at this point how his pricing will be but I’m anticipating that if we go somewhere else I will feel bad. Immediately after he and I spoke about it I sort of felt like I wish I never mentioned it to him to avoid it altogether. It’s much easier to turn down a stranger. And he and his family are really nice people.

In the event that we don’t go with him should I offer him something for coming out? If so what should that be? I would bet he wouldn’t take anything but I would want to offer the gesture. He doesn’t own the company but works for it which I think is part of my guilt. Maybe I’m just being too sensitive. What do you think?

Re: Have you ever asked an acquaintance for an estimate for work on your home?

You have to keep the personal feelings out of it, since you need to do what's best for you. I would make it clear that you are getting other estimates. If it turns out that his estimate isn't the best I would be up front about it and give him the option to match the price of the contractor you feel gave you the best offer (assuming you feel comfortable using him for his workmanship in comparison) or ask him why his price is higher - perhaps he uses better materials, is using more men to get the job done faster, gives a better warranty, etc. Perhaps that is worth a higher price to you.

As for offering him money for his time, almost all contractors give a free estimate so I wouldn't offer money for his visit unless its a service repair that usually charges a standard sevice charge for walking in the door (then i would offer to pay that.)

I totally understand your apprehension for using an aquaintance, it can get awkward but at the end of the day its business and both parties need to do what works best for them. Good luck

Message edited 8/3/2011 10:17:01 AM.

Re: Have you ever asked an acquaintance for an estimate for work on your home?

yes, but in the end we went with whoever we felt gave us the best deal

Re: Have you ever asked an acquaintance for an estimate for work on your home?

My DH is a contractor and this is all part of the business. He gives quotes to friends all the time. Most of the time he is the lowest since his is a two man operation but sometimes not. He knows that is business, he wouldn't want someone to hire him out of guilt or pity but because he does good work. And no...there is no need to offer him anything if you do not go with his services. If he is in the business he should understand the way it works, if not - he won't be in it for long!

Re: Have you ever asked an acquaintance for an estimate for work on your home?

Re: Have you ever asked an acquaintance for an estimate for work on your home?

Thanks everyone for your advice.

Re: Have you ever asked an acquaintance for an estimate for work on your home?

Yes. We are in the midst of a major renovation, and I had a friend give me an estimate (one of three). He spent a lot of time talking to me and going over different ideas so I felt terrible when we had to go with someone else who came in significantly less than him.

I would have loved to have used him for the project but it didn't make financial sense. I sort of wish I just got estimates from people I didn't know...I felt bad enough telling the third guy he didn't have the job and I didn't even know him personally!

I did give the friend a gift certificate to thank him for his help.

Re: Have you ever asked an acquaintance for an estimate for work on your home?

One thing I will say is that depending on what you are looking for it is not always better to go with the least expensive quote. You have to look at quality of work, and what exactly is included in the quote. That is one thing my DH runs into a lot. He doesn't low ball quotes just to get a job and then tack on my expenses but a lot of contractors do just to get the job and in the end in winds up costing the client more because of "unexpected" issues that weren't in the original quote. Just be careful

Re: Have you ever asked an acquaintance for an estimate for work on your home?

Re: Have you ever asked an acquaintance for an estimate for work on your home?

Posted by ItsTime2011

One thing I will say is that depending on what you are looking for it is not always better to go with the least expensive quote. You have to look at quality of work, and what exactly is included in the quote. That is one thing my DH runs into a lot. He doesn't low ball quotes just to get a job and then tack on my expenses but a lot of contractors do just to get the job and in the end in winds up costing the client more because of "unexpected" issues that weren't in the original quote. Just be careful