The Hidden Risks of Getting a Renovation Quote Over the Phone
May 14, 20254 Reasons Your Renovation Quote Shouldn't Start with an Over-the-Phone Estimate for Remodeling
If you’ve ever called a contractor and asked for a ballpark price, you’ve probably heard a variety of responses. Some remodelers may provide a quick quote over the phone, while others – including Imprioveit – refrain from providing informal pricing.
There’s a good reason why: Your home deserves more than a guess.
Every home is different, and even rooms that look similar on paper can vary dramatically in layout, materials, condition, and measurements. With that in mind, here’s a look at a few of the reasons over-the-phone quotes for remodeling might actually do you a disservice – and how to get the ballpark information you want and the accurate quotes that you need during an in-person consultation.
Reason #1: Risky Ballpark Quotes for Remodeling Leave too Many Questions
A contractor who throws out a project cost over the phone is likely giving a generic average. Even worse, they could be underestimating the cost just to get you to choose them for the project. Once the job starts and they realize your project requires more time, labor, and materials than expected, you could face unexpected price hikes and change orders.
This technique also leaves out a lot of crucial information so you can make an informed decision:
- Does the estimate include labor and materials? What about consultation fees, permits, and change orders?
- What promotions or discounts are available to help lower the price?
- Does the contractor offer financing or do you have to pay for the “estimate” in one lump sum?
- What kind of warranty does the contractor offer to add value to the project?
At Improveit, we’d rather get your home improvement quote right the first time. This means no guessing or ballparking – just down-to-the-penny quotes based on your home, your needs, and your design goals.
Reason #2: You're in Control with an In-Person Quote for Remodleing
Meeting with potential remodelers in your home means you stay in the driver’s seat for each in-home consultation. You’re not relying just on the contractor to give you vague answers over the phone. You can ask every question that’s on your mind, walk through the spaces to be remodeled in real time, and see how your remodeler communicates.
To that end, don’t forget: Choosing a remodeler is about more than just the project price or what kind of work the company does. It matters who you work with, and an in-person consultation helps you get a feel for whether a contractor is the right fit for you. Do you have a good rapport and trust them to treat you and your home with respect? Answering that questions is rarely something you can accomplish on the phone, so make sure it’s at the top of your list for an in-person consultation.
Reason #3: All Decision-Makers Are Involved in an In-Home Estimate
When you call remodelers for a ballpark estimate over the phone, do you make sure your spouse or other decision-makers are on the line as well? Probably not. But home remodeling is a big decision, and getting everyone’s questions answered and hearing everyone’s ideas is essential for a successful project.
With an in-person estimate, all the decision makers for a project can be in one room together, asking questions and sharing information. You won’t have to worry about calling back multiple times when your partner asks a follow-up question you didn’t think of, and any clarification of needs, wants, and options can happen on-the-spot. In-person meetings keep communication clear and ensures no one’s left out of the loop.
Reason #4: You Can't See What You're Getting with an Estimate Over the Phone
Design decisions are easier and more accurate when you can see product samples in the room where they’ll be installed. That shower surround or cabinet color might look perfect under showroom lighting but appear totally different in your home’s natural light or next to your wall color you’re not planning to repaint.
Don’t just rely on phone estimates and online pictures to achieve the look you want. During your home consultation, Improveit will bring a full range of samples so you can see exactly how each option looks alongside your floors, furniture, paint, and layout.
Want To Know What to Expect Before Your Renovation Quote?
We get it: Like many homeowners, you want to have a rough idea of what your project might cost before you sit down with a remodeler. That’s why we’ve created free, detailed buyers guides for bathrooms, windows, and kitchens to help you understand average project costs and what impacts the price.
But when it’s time to plan your own remodel, remember that averages only go so far. The only way to get a price that reflects your home, your design preferences, and your installation needs is with an in-person consultation. But don’t worry. With Improveit, all of our in-person quotes are accurate and good for a full year so you have time to compare options, ask more questions, and plan with confidence.
Home Remodel Quotes: People Also Ask
Knowing what to ask a contractor when you’re getting home remodel quotes helps you get the information you need to make an informed decision. Always be sure to ask contractors the same set of questions so you can compare apples-to-apples. To get started, we recommend asking these four questions:
- How long have you been in business?
- What does your warranty cover?
- Are you BBB accredited?
- Do you price project as a quote or an estimate?
Depending on the type of contractor you’re working with, your design consultation could last from 1 to 2 hours. This gives time for you and your family to get all your questions answered, get initial measurements of your space, and more depending on your contractor’s process.
Improveit’s in-Home Consultation includes:
- 1-on-1 time with a dedicated consultant
- Personalized design guidance
- Insitial measurements of your space
- A quote with down-to-the-penny pricing that’s good for a full year
Learn more about what to expect at your Improveit Consultation.
Remodeling projects are customized to your home, and your remodeling quote should be too. If you feel more comfortable going into your design consultation with an idea of what to expect, use pricing guides available online. Keep in mind, these will provide a wide range of pricing and your project price will vary depending on your wants, needs, and the condition of your home.
As you research contractors for your next project, keep an eye out for awards, memberships, and accreditations that signify businesses that operate ethically and do quality work. A few signs of a good quality contractor are:
- BBB accreditation and A+ rating
- Positive Google rating and customer testimonials
- Remodeling industry awards
- Community’s Choice and “Best Of” awards for your city
Learn more about Trust Badges and waht they mean for remodeling
Let's Start Your 5-Star Remodeling Experience in Person!
Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to dive into design, our team is here to help. Use our online scheduling tool to choose a convenient day and time for your free in-home consultation and start your next project from the comfort of your home. And if you prefer to talk to a team member first, we’re here! Just call 855-637-2999 to get started.
