Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Question on estimates
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mamabearto4
10-27-05, 08:58 AM
We have concluded that our chimney liner will definately have to be replaced, we've discovered more cracked tiles, so thats that.
Now.....
I have had phone consults with 4 chimney people.
estimates based on unseen ..are 1575 to 1800 ++
one guy wants to charge me for an estimate, he wanst to measure, he says our flue pipe (8x12) sounds small???
he will charge 40 flat & 100/hrly for an estimate , but doesn't apply to bill,
sounds unethical to me. ALso thinks he may have to remove the existing flue entirely, because of its size versus the need to insulate the steel pipe, i am leary about that but have no clue as to how true it is, but this guy has alot of experience and uses the 316ti liner supposedly the best liner.
Another of the guy's coming is doing an estimate (free) but uses 304 stainless, can anyone tell me if there is a significant difference in the quality of these stainless liners?? what about smooth versus the pleated looking one. and above all respond to the first mentioned guy, 1) his "fee" for an estimate, and his thoughts on removing the entire flue to install a 6" steel liner.
thanks in advance.
please feel free to offer any advice or pointers regarding this .
Now.....
I have had phone consults with 4 chimney people.
estimates based on unseen ..are 1575 to 1800 ++
one guy wants to charge me for an estimate, he wanst to measure, he says our flue pipe (8x12) sounds small???
he will charge 40 flat & 100/hrly for an estimate , but doesn't apply to bill,
sounds unethical to me. ALso thinks he may have to remove the existing flue entirely, because of its size versus the need to insulate the steel pipe, i am leary about that but have no clue as to how true it is, but this guy has alot of experience and uses the 316ti liner supposedly the best liner.
Another of the guy's coming is doing an estimate (free) but uses 304 stainless, can anyone tell me if there is a significant difference in the quality of these stainless liners?? what about smooth versus the pleated looking one. and above all respond to the first mentioned guy, 1) his "fee" for an estimate, and his thoughts on removing the entire flue to install a 6" steel liner.
thanks in advance.
please feel free to offer any advice or pointers regarding this .
Concretemasonry
10-27-05, 11:37 AM
An estimate is just that! - It is a glorified guess at what it will cost. The less a contractor knows, the more he will add for a cushion so he can make out. He is not a charity.
It could be cheaper to pay for an estimate. You could pay $200 for an estimate and find out the job is not $1575 to $800, but only a $1000.
Your biggest worry should be that the $1575 to $1800 is not enough for the real job and the you are stuck with him on a uncompleted job and he cannpt afford to finish because of the unknown that he did not see. No one ever comes out well in this situation.
I wouldn't trust a price from a person that has not seen the situation.
Dick
It could be cheaper to pay for an estimate. You could pay $200 for an estimate and find out the job is not $1575 to $800, but only a $1000.
Your biggest worry should be that the $1575 to $1800 is not enough for the real job and the you are stuck with him on a uncompleted job and he cannpt afford to finish because of the unknown that he did not see. No one ever comes out well in this situation.
I wouldn't trust a price from a person that has not seen the situation.
Dick
mamabearto4
10-27-05, 12:56 PM
I guess I didn't explain well enough.
tose two quotes were from different companies, and I am not too concerned about the actual quotes, because I understand everything is always subject to change.
My main question is regarding the fact that 1 wants to charge a fee for an estimate, that involves measurements and such, but he doesn't discount that from the total cost if hired.
As well as do you normally need to remove an existing clay flue system that is 8x12 to install a 6" steel flue??
obviously if he removes the flue it raises the cost & labor.
AND... he touts that the steel flue he uses is the best there is.
Is there a huge difference in these stainless steel flue systems????
Thankyou
tose two quotes were from different companies, and I am not too concerned about the actual quotes, because I understand everything is always subject to change.
My main question is regarding the fact that 1 wants to charge a fee for an estimate, that involves measurements and such, but he doesn't discount that from the total cost if hired.
As well as do you normally need to remove an existing clay flue system that is 8x12 to install a 6" steel flue??
obviously if he removes the flue it raises the cost & labor.
AND... he touts that the steel flue he uses is the best there is.
Is there a huge difference in these stainless steel flue systems????
Thankyou
Concretemasonry
10-27-05, 01:17 PM
I personally do not like metal flues. Masonry just is proven and lasts longer. Some insurance policies have strict requirements on metal flue systems for wood burning appliances, but do not impose them on masonry.
Each contractor runs his business the way he is comfortable. If a man wants to be paid directly for his time, that is his business. Because he has seen the project, he does not have to incude as much for unknowns (pad the bill) and the actual price could be lower. If he credited back on the total price, his bid would be higher.
Bidding low without looking and negotiating up after the job starts is very common.
Since you not too intersted in the actual amount on the quotes, just go with the man that does things you want him to do it.
Dick
Each contractor runs his business the way he is comfortable. If a man wants to be paid directly for his time, that is his business. Because he has seen the project, he does not have to incude as much for unknowns (pad the bill) and the actual price could be lower. If he credited back on the total price, his bid would be higher.
Bidding low without looking and negotiating up after the job starts is very common.
Since you not too intersted in the actual amount on the quotes, just go with the man that does things you want him to do it.
Dick