Surely we all as tradesmen can't go in and give "an estimate" specifically including other trades men's work to complete a project and then decide it was heavily underestimated..... , the customer choose you for the work based on yourself, your price and probably your friendliness, knowledge, etc etc.
That's good info to put on any future estimates.
Would just point out though that the estimate I gave my customer which included the chippy's estimate wasn't off the top of my head-it was what he said he would do the job for. If he had managed to do the job for the price he gave me, then I would not have a price on my head!!! Lots of lessons learnt here!
I give all my customers estimates but break it down (minimum of 4 pages) to cover all "quoted for" aspects,,, I also state
Here goes.... Deep breath ..l.l
QUOTE
"The above estimate includes specifically those items strictly listed above only and does not include any additional work over and beyond that detailed in the estimate of works which is either requested by yourselves or unforeseen work that we come across during the normal course of our scheduled works as detailed above. Changing the work;
If you want to change the work, you must : confirm this in writing; and do so within 14 days, if you first tell us. We will then adjust the price if necessary.
The price will be adjusted by:
written agreement beforehand, if possible; or if not then later written agreement; or if not then
referring to any priced documents, if this applies; or if not then
a reasonable amount for the work done or goods supplied.
Every change which extra or revised work (as opposed to a change leaving something out) may mean extra costs.
Unexpected work
If unexpected work arises, we will tell you and ask how you want us to go ahead. If so, the above price adjustments will apply.
END OF QUOTE
Firstly I wonder what you guys think of this, but I did write it, and pulled some from FMB ! But in my eyes it states clearly what ; they and I am responsible for, surely "guessing " what a chippy would quote is wrong, put it this way , what if you had quoted on behalf of a plasterer, tiler and electrician too, but all were out by twice as much... ( not likely to happen i know) but the cunsotemr would need a second mortgage to pay that!!! If you pulled something apart and there is underlying
problems, or they ask for different work or more then yes, but I firmly belie the customer is right on this occasion.....
You need to sit down, work out were it's best, and maybe walk, hardest thing to do, and tbh I haven't walked yet, I should have a few months ago when customer had my pants down, BUT that is the reason I now have a four page quotation !!!! Enjoy I hope! I also don't know what was originallyy agree.... Always always get it wrote down on paper, and get a sign off sheet / customer satisfaction sheet on completion,