Many contractors make their living by charging hidden fees. When talking over the phone or giving an estimate, they will quote for the actual labor and materials. However, once the invoice is received, there are often additional fees that may cost up to $1,000 or more. Suddenly, you are charged for mileage, clean up, and even installation. You may attempt to argue the invoice; however, the estimate you signed clearly stated it is only an estimate and additional charges may apply. If you are not accustomed to working with contractors, you may not know the questions to ask to prepare for the hidden fees. The question becomes: what are the hidden fees and how are they applied?
The Actual Job
It would be nice to assume that a contractor’s quote includes items like trip fees for extended trips or installation fees to finalize the project and install the fixtures properly. However, many contractors consider this an added service and make sure to charge an added fee. These fees, such as trip fees, may be tacked on for any job that is further than ten or fifteen miles from the warehouse and may cost an extra $50 to $100 or more. Installation fees may be separate, due to the use of a specialized installation technician who is subcontracted. While they should be included in the original quote, often the contractor waits until the work is done to present the fees. Upon receipt of a quote, it is appropriate to ask if the trip and installation fees will be added, and if so, what are the associated charges?
The Aftermath
Many times, such as with a screen or door installation, there is an old screen or door to remove from the home. Contractors will offer this service for an additional fee or leave the homeowner to decide how to dispose of this larger waste. In addition, debris from the job may be left on site, and homeowners are expected to clean it themselves or pay a fee. While a reputable contractor may take pride in the finished worksite looking pristine and include garbage removal as part of his upfront fees, some contractors are interested in getting through one job and moving on to the next as quickly as possible. Therefore, it would be appropriate to ask if the contractor removes old door, screens, or fixtures and whether a fee is associated with the removal. It would also be smart to ask if the job includes garbage removal or if that is an extra cost.
The best idea is to find a company that has no hidden fees for a job. It is always best when pricing is transparent, and the homeowner knows exactly how much to budget and what to expect. ScreenMobile prides itself on offering quality service at an affordable rate with no hidden fees. The prices quoted will be the price of the job, no matter the circumstances. Old screens are removed, and garbage is cleaned before any job is complete. Contact ScreenMobile at (763) 473-0180 for your estimate.
