Insurance repair contract - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

GC45011 · 09-21-2009, 11:24 AM

I am looking for a contract that alows me to provide my customers with a free estimate but would assure me the work after I provide them with the estimate. I have been killing myself giving free estimates only to have the home owners say they are going to do the work themselves or some out of work family member. How can I protect myself from this practice. I have attempted to charge up front for the estimate with the amount being taken off the price of the job once contract is signed, but this was meet with no success. Pease advise on a fair and reasonable solution.
Thank you for any help
GC45011

Plumber_Bill · 09-24-2009, 02:02 PM

Sounds to me like you're are giving too much information, perhaps you are spelling out a scope of work. After they read the scope uncle Harry figures he can do it.

EG: Don't explain any aspect of the job.
Word it like this ... "Per job site visit (or words to that effect) we agree to do the work" for $X,XXX.XX

Prior to the start of any work we will have to enter into contract
which will spell out scope of work, specifications, prices and terms.

For a fee of 10% of our estimated cost we will gladly start the contract process. All fees paid for our services shall become a part of said contract. In the event that you do not accept the contract, fee above shall be forfited.

Framer53 · 09-24-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GC45011

I am looking for a contract that alows me to provide my customers with a free estimate but would assure me the work after I provide them with the estimate. I have been killing myself giving free estimates only to have the home owners say they are going to do the work themselves or some out of work family member. How can I protect myself from this practice. I have attempted to charge up front for the estimate with the amount being taken off the price of the job once contract is signed, but this was meet with no success. Pease advise on a fair and reasonable solution.
Thank you for any help
GC45011

I pull out one of my contracts and sign them up, with the contigency upon satisfactory insurane settlement!

kjm_rebuild · 10-22-2009, 07:00 PM

I have thought of, nor found a solution to this problem other than try, try again. First and for most, they must like you to buy from you. Work on the sales presentation in the mean time. Always ask a client what they are looking for in the project or what thier thoughts are about the project.

So, how can you give a client enough information about the estimate and work to make an intelligent decision to buy but not give it away to the ones that will never buy and just use you for knowledge and estimates? hmmmmm.

paulie · 10-22-2009, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plumber_Bill

For a fee of 10% of our estimated cost we will gladly start the contract process. All fees paid for our services shall become a part of said contract. In the event that you do not accept the contract, fee above shall be forfited.

I like that.

SLSTech · 10-22-2009, 07:18 PM

I charge for the estimate plain & simple, the insurance company can reimburse them
The charge depends on the damage & the amount of time required to complete it