I want a sounding board. Got a call today from a potential customer who wants some work done leveling floors in an old house that he bought, and wants to fix up to resell. It looks to me like there are some foundation issues which will cost considerably more than what he is willing to spend. He has offered me $2000.00 to do the job, which will buy him about 2 1/2 days of labor, and $300.00 worth of materials. This may or may not fix the problems to his satisfaction, but it probably won’t fix it right. My inclination is to tell him that I will do the work as far as the money goes, and then we will be done. I think that he wants the job done right for this amount. What would the rest of you do? I have come to value your collective input. Thanks
F. Bartel
Replies
I would bow out gracefully....
If you worked for 2 days and $300 in materials and the job was incomplete??? Or did not suit what the homeowner thought could have been done in that amount of time?? This sounds like a situation that will end up biting you back. Even if everyone was satisfied, would you be , knowing that you haven't really addressed the problem?
I guess, if money is tight, take the job. But be certain to have everything explained in writing to minimize misunderstandings. If other jobs are avaiable, pass.
Just a homeowner/advanced putterer's opinion.
One thing's for sure, (30 years for sure) if it does NOT work out, who's money was saved to halfazz it if forgotten. Suddenly, it's YOUR fault it didn't work.
Joe H
You may level the flors, but are you including shaving doors, redoing baseboard molding, removing/reinstalling radiatirs, etc, etc. Know fully what you are getting yourself into and what the homeowner is expecting for this price.
Alex
Free advice is worth what you pay for it