Frequently Asked Questions
Maybe not all are asked frequently, but I thought they were worthy of answers.
What's with the old car?
As in “Why don’t you have a van or truck?” (i.e: a “proper” work vehicle).
What’s a proper work vehicle anyway? I’ve had pickups. They are better at a few things, like hauling demolition debris, and the tailgate makes a nice jobsite workbench. For my specific needs, however, I’ve found that a mid-size station wagon works better all around. Not everyone has the same needs, and I am sure pickups are a better choice for some. But it’s also fashionable to have a truck–especially a tall one. Which by the way, really sucks for loading and unloading (I speak from experience on this). If you’re curious, I wrote a longform piece on this very topic–check it out.
Do you price match?
No.
There is more demand for home remodeling and repair than there are qualified people to do the work. Hence, I don’t view my peers as competition. I usually have all the work I can manage, so I’m not inclined to compete with them on anything. Especially not price.
I set my prices by what the job is worth to me, not by any kind of “going rate.” If I feel I can’t do a job for a price that is fair to both the client and myself, I won’t offer the service. Sometimes my rate will be in line with the modal price, sometimes it will be higher, sometimes lower.
Price sensitive customers do well to heed the “three estimates” method for larger jobs. The provider who charges the least for a door install might be on the higher end for installing crown moldings. So one really needs to obtain multiple estimates for every job.
I find that those who specialize are able to work more efficiently, therefore potentially charge less, earn more, and often still offer quality work. Personally, I don’t specialize because I simply enjoy variety in my work.
Chances are, if you’re asking this question, I’m not the contractor you’re looking for, but that’s ok. There are plenty of folks out there who are willing to compete on price.
Do you charge for estimates?
Yes and no.
I no longer offer free in-home estimates. In the past, I often spent an entire day per week driving to sites, measuring, and following up with estimates. Which resulted in no appreciable increase in contracts. We all know nothing is free. The ugly truth is that when someone offers estimates at no-charge, their paying clients are the ones footing the bill.
Before I charged for in-home estimates, I would write about five estimates for every job I’d win. Since charging, it’s three estimates per every two jobs. And the reason is pretty simple: someone willing to pay for an estimate is probably willing to pay for the contractor they feel most comfortable with. The price sensitive shoppers always go with the free estimates. And I seldom am the cheapest option.
Now here’s the good part: After I began charging for in-home estimates, I experimented with giving estimates based on a phone consultation (and often, photos). This was kind of scary for me, but it’s worked out really well. Once in a while I’ll get it wrong, and wind up working longer than I estimated, and “lose” money on a job. But it never comes anywhere near the time I gave away to tire kickers.
So for some jobs I’ll need to come out before I can give a price, and there will be a reasonable charge (deductible from charge for completed work). My current rate is on my Services page.
Service Area
Farmington, Connecticut USA
Hours of operation
M-F: 9am-3pm by appointment only
inbox@hoyerhomesolutions.com