Every time I go on the Neighborhood app, people are seeking repairs and “little” projects. They always use the word “reasonable” when asking for recommendations, and I think: You mean cheap. Because in my line of work–well, the renovation part of my work–there are many factors that go into how much a job will cost, most of which is based on the current condition and size of the property.
If you live in a home built before 1990 and it’s never been renovated ever, you pretty much need new everything. Your pipes, your fixtures, your electrical, your tile, your appliances, your carpet, your flooring, your fence, your siding, your HVAC, your water heater, light fixtures, windows, roof, …. Your entire home is literally 30+ years old.
If you wanna keep up, compete on the market, or even sleep safely and comfortably in 2021, you need to make some changes. Scan the sale paper this weekend and see how much materials cost. Then add in labor, which is comprised of skills plus knowledge acquired over several years, and time each individual devotes to your project. Multiply that by the number of individuals it will require to complete this task of yours.
Then think about how much it will cost the person(s) coming to estimate/repair this job for you in time, resources, mileage, etc in the age of COVID-19 and is it even worth it to come out for a small section of 30yr old fence or a leak you could fix with a YouTube video?
We’re talking skilled individuals with specialties… how much do you make per hour on your job using your skill set? What’s the going rate for that job these days? Are you being reasonable when you want someone to resuscitate your property under today’s code requirements for pennies? Asking for myself….
Tonya D. Floyd,
The Signature Movement