14 tread staircase refinish

rselectric1 said:

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The general reason for the rule [disallowing some pricing discussions] consists of several problems.

1. Lots of homeowners look at this site, and many sign up as "painter" or "general" and try to talk shop then ask for a going rate in order to beat down their contractors on price. This is not good for any of us.
2. Costs for things vary HUGELY depending on location, quality, scope, etc. It's almost like if I asked someone. "How much should I pay for a car" with no reference to new/used, brand, age, model, etc.
3. When it WAS allowed, it usually turned into a war. Some would call others hacks for working so cheap, and others would call people thieves for charging too much.
4. Also, when it WAS allowed, this site attracted inexperienced contractors who were too lazy to work up their own quotes and relied on strangers from the internet to do their work for them.

That's just for starters and the reasons I can remember right now.

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