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I’m looking for some ideas to help de-fuse an awkward situation. There has been some discussion on similiar topics, but this is just different enough that I thought I’d ask. Here’s the deal: I gave an ESTIMATE (NOT a BID) to my in-laws for an addition to their summer cottage. About 500 square feet. Anyway, I gave low numbers because they are my in-laws, and they helped me out a couple years ago when I was just getting started. When I presented said estimate to mom-in-law, needless to say there was a bit of “sticker shock.”
I have two rates. One that I charge the construction manager who I sub for 85% of the time, and another that I charge when going a project “solo”. The second rate is higher. Now the in-laws want me to work this addition at my sub rate (they know the difference). I’m thinking “No way!!” Unfortunately, I can’t think of a way to let them know this with out offending them big time. Only thing I can think of is to get a couple estimates from other contractors. This would do one of two things: 1) If estimates are higher, it may show in-laws that my pricing is not unreasonable or 2) If lower and in-laws like this, I would gladly let someone else take the job.
Any ideas? I’ll take any you have at this point. Hope at least some of this made sense. Thanks in advance.
Later. LJ
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I'm looking for some ideas to help de-fuse an awkward situation. There has been some discussion on similiar topics, but this is just different enough that I thought I'd ask. Here's the deal: I gave an ESTIMATE (NOT a BID) to my in-laws for an addition to their summer cottage. About 500 square feet. Anyway, I gave low numbers because they are my in-laws, and they helped me out a couple years ago when I was just getting started. When I presented said estimate to mom-in-law, needless to say there was a bit of "sticker shock."
I have two rates. One that I charge the construction manager who I sub for 85% of the time, and another that I charge when going a project "solo". The second rate is higher. Now the in-laws want me to work this addition at my sub rate (they know the difference). I'm thinking "No way!!" Unfortunately, I can't think of a way to let them know this with out offending them big time. Only thing I can think of is to get a couple estimates from other contractors. This would do one of two things: 1) If estimates are higher, it may show in-laws that my pricing is not unreasonable or 2) If lower and in-laws like this, I would gladly let someone else take the job.
Any ideas? I'll take any you have at this point. Hope at least some of this made sense. Thanks in advance.
Later. LJ