Hello macawmom ,

Add-on's & Hidden fees are the go-to of professionals in this field, unfortunately. Right after they talk down to you.

Logistically the big-box store & their installer should give you the lowest price. Call them back and ask for an itemized contract. How much for the ladder, how much on incidental materials, how much for labor and don't forget to ask for the Start & Finish date. Give them a down payment and only pay in full when they hit those dates. Otherwise they'll add on a bunch of BS, and drag it out for who-knows-how-long and add Labor on top of it.

Once you have an itemized contract (if a big-box can't provide one, something is wrong) - then you can call some local handymen, carpenters & use that as your baseline to get the best price.

As far as categories here on Houzz.... Let's be honest - this is a high-end place with high-end people charging high-end prices. What you're doing is relatively simple. Ask some neighbors for reco's, or just google search people in your area and make sure they have a website or photos they can send you of their work.

Hope that helps. Feel free to contact me with any other questions, I give free 15 min. consultations.

-frank

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I know the add-ons are ridiculous for this fairly straightforward ladder replacement in the exact same place and size. What I was asking is which sort of person should I be asking for a recommendation on? A handyman or a carpenter?

Thanks.

macawmom ,

The terms are pretty interchangeable on basic jobs, tho, 'carpenter,' suggests a little more higher end skill & may be more focused on one thing where, 'handyman,' can have a wider range of skill. No disrespect to either or!

-f