We wanted to share with the readers of Atlanta Home Improvement some of the lessons we have learned over the last 30+ years of remodeling homes in Atlanta. One of the most common question we are asked is “what is this project going cost?” Most of the time, clients want to compare the cost of your company’s estimate versus another company with a matrix that gives them a feel for what your company charges. Additionally, this is a client’s way of trying to figure out what the actual cost will be and whether or not they can afford the project they want.
Some of the questions we are asked is:
-Can you give me a square foot cost?
-What does the cabinetry cost a linear foot?
-Can you give me an approximate cost based on your experience?
These are all good questions, but the answers are based on exactly what the clients want. For example, if we go to a consultation with a client, and they explain that they would like to have an addition built that is 20′x24′. Additionally, the client explains that the new addition will be a master bedroom with a larger closet and a new master bathroom. As a contractor, we can’t answer that question without knowing what finishes the client wants to have in their new addition. If we guess, it will be based on our assumption of what we would install in the space. A lot of contractors will give this a very low price value so that they don’t give the client “sticker shock”. They want to appear to be the low cost solution when, in fact, they are giving you the price for low cost items that you may not want. You have a lot of items that have a large spread of what they cost: flooring, tile/stone, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, and closet treatments are just a few of the products with a huge cost spread.
If you want to know the true hard cost of the project, we recommend that you ask for specifics from your contractor so that you get accurate home remodeling costs. Use the following steps to get to the true cost of your project: First establish how much you are willing to spend on the project. Then do some research and find three remodeling contractors in Atlanta that you are comfortable inviting for a consultation on your project. Share with them your desired goals and your budget and ask them if that is a reasonable budget. They should let you know what can be done for your budget and if your budget will cover the extent of your project specs. Finally, make sure that the companies you call include project planning and design in their pricing so that there are no surprises in the building process.
Once you have worked through the design process with each individual contractor, you will be able to compare all of your estimates apples to apples. Choose a contractor who can give you justification for all expenses and can offer you references. And, be honest with your contractor. Let them know up front what your budget is and what you are willing to spend. All of these things will ensure that you will get the best price for your project.
Cabinet Café
210 West Crossville Road
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 642-2898
www.CabinetCafe.com