The DYOJO Podcast

Ep 90 Charging for Construction Estimates?

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Would you say that wasting time is a challenge in your business? On the last episode of The DYOJO Podcast, I made a promise that we would dive deeper into this concept of the Letter of Intent (LOI).

Contractors often debate on whether they should be

  • Charging for estimates or providing them for free
  • Getting a contract signed before an inspection
  • Or various hybrid approaches

    • For a guest appearance with Ben Ricciardi on the Restoration Rundown podcast, we introduced an approach that we are using in our contracting business; the LOI. In addition to the podcast, Ben also released a book that is an excellent resource for property restoration contractors. The No Bullsh**t Guide To Internet Marketing For Restoration Contractors. The title tells the reader exactly what is in the book.


    Should Contractors be Charging for Estimates? 


    We discuss some thoughts from various contractors on how they approach estimating.

    • One contractor states, “I've done 14 estimates in four days. And I think it comes with the game, you gotta take the good with the bad, I could never see myself charging someone for an estimate.”
    • Another one says, “I drove two hours to a location, gave him a quote and drove two hours back home client didn't even respond to me.”
    • A contractor raises a good point, “I think of it from a different angle in my business. Why am I not closing these deals?” Follow up with your customers and do your best to close the deal while you are still in the customer’s home. “Just writing proposals and hoping people go with you is a recipe for disaster as business owners, we have to sell it and work at it from every angle.”


      • If YOU don’t value your time, NO ONE else will.

      Each contractor has to decide what process works for their organization. One thing that should not be negotiable is a clear and consistent client intake process. Ask your clients consistent and thorough questions so that each time you onboard them you have a clear idea of what you are committing to.


      Next episode of The DYOJO Podcast and upcoming events:

      • We will share more about the Letter of Intent (LOI) as an approach to qualifying clients
      • We will discuss various approaches with contractors around the country including one controversial approach within the insurance claims industry
      • Our article should be coming out soon in C&R magazine the first in a multi-part series with Ben justice in Anthony Nelson and Edward cross. My first article will be The 4 Modes of Profitability for the Contractor
      • EVENT in Washington State: On November 2nd, 2022 we are planning to host a watching party for the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Fall Technical Conference
      • EVENT in Illinois: If you are in the Chicago area the first week of October, the RIA is hosting a one-day Regional Focus Group followed by a three-day technical training


        • Thank you to our sponsors: the IICRC, Advocate Claim Service, and How To Suck Less At Estimating

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        The DYOJO PodcastBy Jon Isaacson / The DYOJO
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