The range of estimates is interesting or maybe frustrating is a better word. Ideally, I'd love someone to charge all material costs on my home depot account and give me an estimate of hours of labor with a rate per hour. After not receiving that, I've started asking for it up front and they will tell me that they'll get back with me in the morning on a good time to schedule an appointment to view the work area. They never call me back because they'd prefer to get away with these big unspecific quotes and an uninformed home owner that doesn't know any better than to blindly accept. I'm excited about a carpenter who immediately told me that he charges $35 an hour. When you compare that to one of the non-specific quotes estimating over $10,000 to replace 3 pieces of siding, 10 strips of molding, some fascia boards and paint the exterior- it makes you realize how wildly high some of those quotes are.
For the sake of giving someone the benefit of the doubt, say that supplies did cost $1000 (reality is closer to $500) how much would I be paying for labor? To rack up $9000 in labor at $35 an hour it would take over 6 weeks of full-time work. My job could easily be finished in a week by a professional putting 40 hours of work into it. So why on earth would I accept the random quote for $10,000? Well I couldn't think of a reason not to make about five more calls until I found a carpenter willing to give me an hourly rate. I'll be thrilled to post his name and contact number after I use him and can give a definite testimony of workmanship.
I'll update more after we get the utilites turned on when the city gets its check from yesterdays closing to cover all the back taxes and bills. LOL Heat would be nice in December. Oh how I'm praying that the $35 an hour carpenter/handiman works out. He is praying too as his day job is in ministry. :)
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