maxb46•2mo ago

Pro tip: I thought a quick chat was enough for a kitchen reno quote, but a full walkthrough changed everything

For years, I'd just give a quick phone estimate based on square footage and a few photos. Last month, a client in Boise wanted a full kitchen job. I gave my usual ballpark over the phone, but she asked me to come see it first. When I got there, I found old knob-and-tube wiring behind the walls and a floor that was way out of level. That 30 minute walkthrough last Tuesday showed me issues I'd have totally missed. Now I always do a site visit before giving any numbers. How do you guys handle your first talks with a new job?

3 comments

3 Comments

terry_martinez2mo ago

My kid's school thought a quick parent survey was enough, but an actual open house showed a totally different picture. People just see things differently when they're standing in the room. Your story about the wiring is a perfect example of that.

victor_barnes482mo ago

Site visits waste time and money.

-1

julia6222mo ago

We had a project last year where the blueprints looked fine, but a site walk found a main support beam was totally in the wrong spot. Saved us a huge headache and a ton of cash. @victor_barnes48, I get the time thing, but seeing the actual space changes everything. Photos and plans just don't show the weird angles or how the light really hits. That one visit probably saved the whole timeline.