Contractor estimates

DanHolohan

just like the Yellow Pages, Find a Professional ads are just that - ads. I don't screen anyone, but I do advise in the introduction, "If someone looks good to you, send him or her an email or make a call. Ask for reference and check with their previous clients. Pros love it when you ask for references!"

I've found that when an advertiser acts the way you've described, the consumer generally does what you've done. The result is the advertiser doesn't get the business, and doesn't renew the ad, so it works itself out over time.

Of course, the advertiser tells others that ads on HeatingHelp.com don't work, but that's all part of life. :-)

Aren't people fascinating?

Jo Ann

Contractor estimates???

Hi You Guys,

I posted here about a month ago wondering if I should get a new boiler for my one pipe system. You all said to have the peripheral work done first before investing in a new boiler. I've had three contractors in but only two responded with estimates. The third who never got back to me was a pro listed on this site. Makes me wonder how a contractor gets listed, any screening or do they pay for space?

Anyway, the two estimates I received were for the following work:
Pitch all radiators,
replace the two main vents,
replace two valves on wet return,
replace valve on bottom of boiler,
insulate pipes,
balance radiators (9 in total),
replace radiator valves if necessary,
flush wet returns,
insulate steam and return pipes in basement

House is about 1100 sq ft on two stories. Would it help to know pipe lengths?

The estimates varied a lot. One was $1460 and the other was $3575. That's a big difference. Neither itemized so makes it a little hard to compare. The $3575 included the pipe insulation but I saw prices at HD and it's not that expensive.

Do these estimates sound reasonable?
Do you all normally give itemized estimates?
What is the going hourly rate for this type of work?

Thanks!

Leo_15

Pricing

Hi Jo Ann,

Pricing isn't usually discussed here because this site is read all over the country and in some other countries. Given that hourly rates in the Northeast are often higher than the Southeast it is hard to say what price is fair. Even within a geographical area prices vary, the rates in Boston are higher than some of the rural areas west of Boston. Another thing is the battles caused, someone will always try to one up what the other person payed. Getting back to your estimates I would not hesitate to ask what you will be paying for. If these guys took the time to get back to you they are interested in working for you. It doesn't hurt to ask what their hourly rate is either. Arguing it won't help because it is set for a number of reasons but knowing it doesn't hurt. Insulating takes time as well as material costs.

I hope this made some sense to you,

Leo

Rich Kontny_3

Would you

Look for the cheapest doctor if you needed your arteries cleared or the cheapest dentist if you needed dental work?

Explore this site a little further and you will find that steam heat is a lost art with very few true professionals who understand all the different type steam systems.

In other words you need a steam specialist with experience and references. The non response is not good business practice and really not professional (call that firm and voice that concern).

You will not find steam specialists at HD and you have to compare apples to apples. All things considered and if the cheaper price does all the same work and gets your system right go with it.

You cannot expect an itemized estimate from all contractors for free. Some still do this but time is money,as well as travel and overhead.

The heating industry with the current rise in fuel prices is going to get extremely busy so I would do my home work if I was you and get the work done before the heating season hits.

This site has some of the best in the business and I know if you seek service or upgrades you will get more than your money's worth. Look for fair priced competant service providers but don't expect it to be cheap as your comfort is worth something.

Good luck and I hope you find and retain a quality service provider.

Rich K.

Keith_8

scope

For a smaller project it would be unusual to provide a itemized quote, at that point the contractor might as well perform the work on a Time and Material basis.

A clear understanding of the scope of work from the contractors should be enough to base your decision. If they have not written a concise scope call them up and review it verbally. Make some notes on their proposal and have the contractor who is performing the work initial the proposal acknowledging the scope outline.

I don't know if Home Depot sells 1 1/2" fiberglass pipe insulation, but probably not. The rubber insulation they sell is cheap enough but not suitable for a steam system.

As previously mentioned mechanics with a good working knowledge of steam systems are rare. Ask for referrals.

Good Luck,

Keith

Jack_45

The Find a Professional listings are advertisements. As far as I can tell there is no screening of the advertisers to ensure either business or technical competence.

I have the utmost respect for the dedication and knowledge displayed by most of the pros who post on the Wall, but I can't say the same for some of the advertisers on Find a Professional.

I have tried contacting two advertisers concerning a quote for a new boiler: one never returned my calls and the other, a one man shop, while technically competent was so aggressively rude that he never should have been allowed to come in contact with customers.

Maybe the advertisers would try harder if there were a way to post feedback next to the listing?