I know that when you’re not from the construction industry, reading through a detailed estimate can feel overwhelming. While builders might easily understand my quotes, most of my clients are homeowners planning renovations or builds and I don’t expect them to be fluent in construction terms. That’s why I keep my quotes simple, clear, and broken down point-by-point so you can feel confident and informed throughout the estimating process.
Q: I’ve received my quote, but it doesn’t make any sense. What now?
A: I always include a “Quotation Explanation Guide” with every quote I send. It breaks things down in a way that’s easier to understand, covering key assumptions, pricing, and how the project cost was calculated.
If anything still feels unclear, I’m more than happy to jump on a quick Zoom call to walk you through the numbers, what’s included, what assumptions I’ve made, and how it all adds up. I find a 15–20 minute call usually clears up confusion much faster than back-and-forth emails.
Q: The price is higher than I expected. Are you sure it’s accurate?
A: Yes, and I totally understand that pricing can sometimes come as a surprise. I use average industry trade rates to give you a realistic view of construction costs, rather than artificially low numbers that no builder would agree to. By doing this, you’re not locked into the cheapest builder, instead, you get an accurate, honest estimate based on the market, giving you more flexibility and fewer unexpected costs down the line.
The math is straightforward: quantity × price = total. However, finishing choices, like premium doors, tiles, or fixtures, can significantly impact the final price. I also include allowances for material price increases, contractor markups, and other factors to ensure the project schedule and budget are aligned with real-world conditions. And again, if anything seems off, I’m happy to review it with you on a Zoom call.
Q: I understand the quote and how you calculated it, but it’s still too expensive. What can we do?
A: This is where value engineering comes in. It’s completely normal to want high-end finishes, unique materials, or standout design features, but sometimes the total project cost exceeds the budget. My role is to help you balance design goals with affordability.
Through value engineering, I review the plans and specs and suggest cost-saving alternatives that still deliver the look and feel you want. If needed, we can identify other areas to adjust that won’t compromise the overall quality.
For example: I recently worked with a client building a new home who wanted concealed gutters and hidden downpipes, a beautiful finish, but it cost five times more than traditional options. I asked: would you rather keep the hidden gutters, save that money to upgrade your kitchen, or keep your interior features?
It’s about making smart choices that align with your priorities, and I’m here to help guide you through those decisions.