A contractor’s perspective on fixed prices and how to handle changes to work orders.
I was recently asked to provide a quote and then carry out a fairly small job: tidy a basement cosmetically, build a partition wall to create a new room, lay some flooring, and paint the garage floor. At the time I suspected this work might lead to additional tasks for the clients, but I had no idea how much more. Nine months later I was still working at the property. No, I don’t work slowly — and yes, I did complete the original brief.
Every morning I arrived to the homeowner greeting me with, “Good morning, I’ve been thinking about….” Eventually we both agreed there was no point in preparing fresh quotes every time the specification changed. Instead I charged a fixed daily rate for the work.
Affordable Fireplace Makeover Ideas Under $500
A fireplace is often the focal point of a living room, so it’s important that it enhances the space instead of making you cringe every time you look at it. When Heather and Neil moved into their 1940s traditional home in Santa Monica, their new living room’s fireplace had that unfortunate effect. Their living room … Read more
