A Conversation between a Contractor and a Customer

Customer: How much does this project cost?
Contractor: $1500
Customer: That is expensive!
Contractor: How much do you think it would cost you to do it?
Customer: I’d say $800 max – it’s a pretty simple job.
Contractor: For $800, I invite you to complete it yourself.
Customer: But, I don’t know how to?
Contractor: Ok, for $800, I’ll teach you how. You’ll save $700 and gain the knowledge for the next project.
Customer: Alright, I agree!
Contractor: Great. To get started you’ll need the following tools: Welder, grinder, chop saw, drill press, welding hood, gloves, etc.
Customer: I don’t have those items? I can’t buy them all for just this job.
Contractor: I tell ya what, I will rent you the tools for $300
Customer: Okay!
Contractor: Great, we can get started on Tuesday.
Customer: Oh, I can’t on Tuesday. My schedule is full.
Contractor: I am sorry, I am only available to teach you on Tuesday and it’s the only day my tools are available.
Customer: Sigh. Ok, Tuesday it is then. I will rearrange my schedule.
Contractor: Oh, I forgot to mention – To do this job yourself, you’ll also have to pay for the nonproductive factors such as fuel, insurance, taxes, etc.
Customer: What! I am going to end up spending more money and waste a lot of time I don’t have.
Contractor: Also, you will need to meet me here at 6 am Tuesday because the trucks will be unloading the material. Don’t forget to leave early to avoid traffic jams. We can’t make the trucks wait for us.
Customer: Ehh, 6 am is too early. I would wake up by 5 am?
Contractor: Sorry. We don’t have a choice.
Customer: You know…I’d rather pay you the $1500. I don’t have the time, the tools, or the know-how to get this job done.
Contractor: (Smiles) Ok, you have a deal. $1500 it is.

Please remember with the price of the job, you pay not only for the material used but also:

– Knowledge
– Experience
– Tools
– Materials
– Services
– Punctuality
– Accountability
– Professionalism
– Accuracy
– Sacrifices
– Safety and security
– The Risk
– Payment of tax obligations

Only by knowing all the elements necessary to complete such a project can you accurately estimate the actual cost. Leave it to the professionals, we’ll take care of you!