Is this a fair estimate from a carpenter?

12 years ago

I live in the Greater Boston area.

I know that the best way to determine whether an estimate is fair is by having 2 other estimates. However, time does not allow me. So I'm doing the next best thing which is asking for your advice. I know you will not disappoint me.

I'm planning some renovations in my Somerville condo.

The carpenter, with whom I've consulted, wants $3000 for labor and $600 to pull the permit. Total: $3,600.

This carpenter has a Construction Supervisor License and will do the following:

1) Pull a permit.

2) After plumber removes old kitchen sink cabinet, carpenter needs to remove drywall above and behind old sink cabinet. My plaster guy will replace drywall.

3) Install 6 kitchen cabinets (3 upper cabinets, 3 base cabinets, no demolition required).

4) Install dyer vent (dryer will be installed by plumber).

5) Link bathroom fan with roof vent cap (bathroom fan and vent cap has already been installed on the roof).

6) Have a shelf built above my kitchen sink because the new stackable washer and dryer is going right next to my sink and I will lose the space I had for my dish rack. So I need a shelf, made of some water proof material, built above my kitchen sink to serve as platform for my dish rack.

7)Remove old door and install bi-fold door in kitchen pantry.

8)Seal off one kitchen door, which is an extra door and make it part of the wall (I have a blue board and plaster guy. All I need from the carpenter is for him to put up two by fours. The plaster guy will do the rest).

9) Remove old deck door and install a new one.

Remove a small archway between kitchen and living room.
Make bedroom closet deeper by extending it forward.
Install a regular door knob on bedroom door.

Is this a fair estimate? Please, any feedback will be highly appreciated!

Thanks!

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Comments (7)

User
12 years ago
The plumber and drywall costs are not included in the carpenter quote?

If the carpenter's materials are included in the quote, seems reasonable.
Vertise
12 years ago
Materials .. doors are suppled? Venting? He supplies only wood nails etc needed?

You need to get detailed estimates. No one online can gauge the conditions and details. Prices vary wildly throughout the country. Personally, I think it sounds like a lot of money for the work listed.
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PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
12 years ago
You need to get that guy busy before he comes to his senses.

I disagree with seeking additional bids. I never allow my "competition" to set my prices. If I can't convince you I'm the best value, I don't deserve your business. If my reputation has no value, we aren't right for each other.
Vertise
12 years ago
No one's asking him to lower his prices. ? You can still sell yourself as the best man for the job in spite of the competition.

Without addl bids, you can't know if it's high, low or average. No clue how reasonable or not. It could be like that $2000 staircase repair in the other thread. Sounded like a lot of money but others said it was a crazy low ball. The old, " you deserve what you paid for" toward the customer.
jellytoast
12 years ago
"I disagree with seeking additional bids."

Well, most people at the giving end of the paycheck would disagree with that policy.
lucillle
12 years ago
"However, time does not allow me. So I'm doing the next best thing which is asking for your advice. I know you will not disappoint me."
Answers here run the gamut from professional to experience to thoughtful opinion, and are valuable but no substitute for your own due diligence.
Readers can't really answer a cost question without seeing your job and knowing what local good carpenters would charge.
Find the time.
gregmills_gw
12 years ago
Yep youre setting yourself up for disaster by allowing a timeframe dictate wether or not you can get another bid.

Most people who have work done spend weeks in preperation for projects. Anyone who rushes in without doing their homework shouldnt complain about price or quality of work. And def due diligence cant be substituted for online opinions.