JUST WHAT IS A BALL PARK ESTIMATE?

Definition: A very rough Estimate (usually showing the rough cost)

made with some knowledge and confidence that the estimate is within a reasonable range of exactness or "somewhere in the ball park." This is usually within a 10% range and can go either up or down on the final estimate.

In the initial meeting with the homeowner or prospected home buyer I try and understand the main objectives, customer vision of what the end product will look like, desires and their budget. In this way I can often times give the client a rough idea of the cost on the spot. I always follow up with a fully written out Ball Park proposal for the customer. This allows me, and the potential customer, to see whether we’re talking the same language when it comes to both the budget and scope of work of the project.

HOW MUCH DOES THIS BALL PARK ESTIMATE COST?
This Ball Park estimate is free of charge to existing Los Angeles area Homeowners. A charge of $100.00 is made to prospected Home Buyers. This charge is then credited back to the work being done on the home once the sale is signed for and started.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN ESTIMATE?
A Ball Park estimate is scheduled either by calling my office, filling out the handy response form or sending an e-mail. Estimates are usually scheduled during the week, Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Depending on the customers schedule, I can sometimes accommodate times either later or earlier in the day as well as fit in a Saturday morning estimate if this works out better for your schedule.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BALL PARK ESTIMATE IN WRITING?

Depending on how much research and calls are needed to get the information needed, most estimates get an average turnaround in about 3-4 working days.

I typically mail my Ball Park estimates, but will either e-mail as an attachment or fax them as requested by the customer. In either case I still mail out a copy of the Ball Park to the customer to ensure they get it.

WHAT COMES NEXT?
Good question! I include with the Ball Park a simple "Start-Up Proposal".

This proposal requests a retainer payment of 1% of the project or $500.00 minimum (whichever is greater. Example: a $60,000.00 Ball Park would be a $600.00 retainer) for a fully detailed estimate to be drawn up for the project. The retainer is applied to the cost of the final job, but is not refundable should the job not go through or the customer goes elsewhere for the work. We then prepare a detailed written estimate for projects that we feel the client is seriously considering. In doing this estimate, calls and appointments are made to sub-contractors, material supply stores are contacted for prices and permit costs (if needed) are obtained as well.

This process takes several hours of work to do the preparations, research, communication back and forth to the customer, and a final draft of the proposal. I include a Critical Path (time line) that shows the length of time the project should take. This breaks down each major aspect of the project into the estimated time it should take to complete that phase of the project.

The final step is to agree on the final fixed price of the project and contract (which is included with the detailed proposal). This is then signed by you, the client, and allows me to start work on your project. I do hope this clears up any possible confusion on the difference between a Ball Park and the detailed estimate.

Randy Mate

Owner & General Contractor

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