So, let me preface the following email exchange by explaining that I got an email last week asking for an estimate for a deck. This one is outside the area I usually cover and the size of the job wasn't worth a site visit until I knew the person was serious - his location is about a 45 min. drive without rush hour traffic from me. So, I replied with a quick price just for sh!ts and giggles. The responses I got were quite entertaining so I thought I'd share them with my brethren here at CT.
I hope you get as good a laugh out of it as I did :laughing:
P.S. I've changed the names and removed email addresses for obvious reasons.
P.P.S. I've decided to take the high road and NOT respond to his idiotic remarks about my pricing - he obviously can't afford a reputable contractor in the first place
----- Original Message -----
From: XXXXX
To: DECKS Etc.
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 1:20 PM
Subject: deck quote
hi there,
I am interested in a deck that is 10' x 20' off the back of the house. i would like to use pressure treated wood.
what I am looking at in terms of price. could I get a proper estimate? I live in vaughan.
thanks
XXXXX
-----Original Message-----
From: DECKS Etc.
Sent: 6/30/2009 11:18:38 PM
To: LOWBALL LOUIE
Subject: Re: deck quote
Lowball Louie,
You are looking in the neighbourhood of $4,000 for the deck and skirting. If you want/need any railings then the added cost for that would depend on the amount and style of railing you wanted.
Regards,
Terry
From: Lowball Louie
Subject: RE: deck quote
To: "DECKS Etc. "
Received: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 7:27 PM
Thanks terry. I just got a quote for 8.50 a square foot. All in using pressure treated wood.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:19:15 -0700
From: DECKS Etc.
Subject: RE: deck quote
To: Lowball Louie
Lowball Louie,
I would advise you to really check their work and references. For me, $8.50 a sq. ft. doesn't cover the materials, insurance, fuel, wages, salary and profit. You should ask them what their warranty is as well. As an FYI for you, I offer a written 5 year workmanship warranty.
Regards,
Terry
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 9:48 AM
From: Lowball Louie
To: DECKS Etc.
thanks,I will ask for references and he does provide a workmanship warranty. i've priced out the materials at home depot, which is probably more expensive than where professionals go, pressure treated wood, screws, etc...come in at about $500, plus the 6 posts. I think he would make $1000 for 2 days work. that is pretty good in my opinion, more than i make at my job. i hope your $4000 quote was for composite decking material, otherwise you are ripping off your customers.
I hope you get as good a laugh out of it as I did :laughing:
P.S. I've changed the names and removed email addresses for obvious reasons.
P.P.S. I've decided to take the high road and NOT respond to his idiotic remarks about my pricing - he obviously can't afford a reputable contractor in the first place
----- Original Message -----
From: XXXXX
To: DECKS Etc.
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 1:20 PM
Subject: deck quote
hi there,
I am interested in a deck that is 10' x 20' off the back of the house. i would like to use pressure treated wood.
what I am looking at in terms of price. could I get a proper estimate? I live in vaughan.
thanks
XXXXX
-----Original Message-----
From: DECKS Etc.
Sent: 6/30/2009 11:18:38 PM
To: LOWBALL LOUIE
Subject: Re: deck quote
Lowball Louie,
You are looking in the neighbourhood of $4,000 for the deck and skirting. If you want/need any railings then the added cost for that would depend on the amount and style of railing you wanted.
Regards,
Terry
From: Lowball Louie
Subject: RE: deck quote
To: "DECKS Etc. "
Received: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 7:27 PM
Thanks terry. I just got a quote for 8.50 a square foot. All in using pressure treated wood.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:19:15 -0700
From: DECKS Etc.
Subject: RE: deck quote
To: Lowball Louie
Lowball Louie,
I would advise you to really check their work and references. For me, $8.50 a sq. ft. doesn't cover the materials, insurance, fuel, wages, salary and profit. You should ask them what their warranty is as well. As an FYI for you, I offer a written 5 year workmanship warranty.
Regards,
Terry
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 9:48 AM
From: Lowball Louie
To: DECKS Etc.
thanks,I will ask for references and he does provide a workmanship warranty. i've priced out the materials at home depot, which is probably more expensive than where professionals go, pressure treated wood, screws, etc...come in at about $500, plus the 6 posts. I think he would make $1000 for 2 days work. that is pretty good in my opinion, more than i make at my job. i hope your $4000 quote was for composite decking material, otherwise you are ripping off your customers.