What Contractor Isn't Familiar With This Frustrating Story...

A contractor takes a call for service from a new client. After a brief conversation, they set up a time to inspect the customer's home. The contractor drives to the worksite (30 minutes*). While onsite the contractor spends 30-60 minutes* discussing the project with the customer, performing a detailed inspection of the conditions, taking measurements, documenting scope items, and listening to what the customer wants to have completed. The contractor drives back to their shop (30 minutes*). The contractor spends at least 30-60 minutes* researching products, creating an estimate with sufficient scope and cost details to reflect the vision of the customer and sends that to them for review. After a day or two the contractor follows up with the customer, there is a delay in response, and finally the customer notifies them that while they appreciate all of the details the contractor provided they were able to hire someone who could do the work for significantly cheaper. 

Is this just a "cost of doing business" or is there a BETTER WAY? 

Episode 91 of The DYOJO Podcast will be part 2 of a discussion that we started in Episode 90 on whether contractors should charge for their estimates. For Episode 91 we will continue to review various approaches by construction professionals including providing FREE estimates, getting contracts signed prior to dispatch, using a Letter of Intent (LOI), or other means. At the end of the day, the contractor does well to develop and consistently follow a thorough screening process for all new clients so that they know what they are committing themselves to. 

If the contractor does not value their own time, NO ONE ELSE WILL. 

In this video promo for Episode 91 of The DYOJO Podcast: 

0:00 Customers using a contractor's estimate to hire someone cheaper

0:50 Using a Letter of Intent (LOI) to screen customers

1:40 The 4 Modes of Profitability for Contractors (C&R Magazine) 

2:35 Pricing feedback for restoration contractors (Cleanfax video clip) - this is a standalone video that will NOT be in the podcast episode. Watch the full 5 minute video on the ISSA Media / Cleanfax Magazine Take 5 with Jeff Cross platform 

3:55 A breakdown of the cost of wasted time for contractors 

Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.     

Thank You To Our Sponsors:   

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a professional certification and standard-development non-profit organization for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries.     

Advocate Claim Service was founded to provide policyholders, brokers, and attorneys with a dedicated claim professional to develop a comprehensive claim presentation strategy. Read David Princeton's column, Dear David, in C&R Magazine.     

Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement. How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes.