Model numbers?

Paul S_3

Do you guys put model numbers on your estimates? Sometimes i think the customers use it against me....i do not put the size of the equipment.....i state on my estimates that i will perform a heat loss/heat gain before starting job. What do you guys do?

STEAM DOCTOR

No way. Information is valuable.

4Johnpipe

I list the product / manufacturer only...same wording that equipment will be selected after heat loss performed.

Paul S_3

So not even the model less the capacity...for example the Lochnivar KHN.....you guys think its too much info

gennady

I only list major items brand names in estimates.

nicholas bonham-carter

Do you calculate the heat loss before giving the estimate, (without giving the results to the customer)?--NBC

Paul S_3

No i only calculate heat loss once i get the job

4Johnpipe

I do a basic block load to get me in the ball park. Then the cost of the room by room whole house heat loss is added into the quoted price.

Steve Minnich

I include make, model, and Btu/h input. But like John, I don't do a room by room until I get 1/3 down.

Rich_49

Including make , model and BTUh input leaves you no room to offer something different . Never paint yourself into a corner . You very well may find out that the unit you first mentioned mat not be the best one for that project . If you have made a mistake that gets uncovered during more extensive calculations you have shot yourself in the foot .

Paul S_3

I include the make on estimate....i dont give the btuh until i perform a heat loss/edr with 1/2 down..... im asking because i recently had a few customers call me and ask for the model ....then they went with a different company. The other company didnt include the make or model.....i try to list everything that i will be doing on the install so i can seperate myself on paper from other contractors that just list
"Replace heating system .... $XXXX.XX"

Steamhead

What probably happened is the other company said they would install the same make and model for, say, 5 or 10 percent cheaper. We've run into that too. When we start asking things like whether they would pipe the boiler with a proper header in black steel rather than copper, the truth comes out.

Steve Minnich

I do a block load and carefully consider the design before putting anything on a proposal. Not once has it ever caused an issue. I would never consider accepting a proposal from someone who didn't include detail and have confidence in their plan of attack. The point is to perform the design before you present your proposal.

There have been many times when they've come back and asked if there is a less expensive way than my initial proposal detailed and then I'm more than willing to change the scope. That's just part of the process.

But if a customer chooses a contractor based on the homework that I did and this contractor is foolish enough to install a system based on calculations from someone they don't even know, then they deserve each other. Knowing the plan and having the ability to execute the plan are two different stories.