Handyman/ Remodeler here. I have never charged for estimates because my customers are usually honest and trust me. The following had happened to me maybe a dozen times in the last 25 years.
Just got ghosted on a multi door replacement project. The DIY dude wanted to do them himself but claimed he was not skilled enough. I was at his house for 90 minutes discussing door options, measuring his odd sized doors, and making suggestions.
He wanted to save some money so i gave him all the measurement details so he could order them without my mark up and he promised to call me to schedule the work when they were delivered. Just drove by and saw his house had three new doors. Almost knocked on the door to say hello and remind him of his promise. All he wanted was a professional to measure them for him. I would have agreed to do that for $50.00. Not cool.
Does anyone else here charge for estimates? I already add a trip charge for longer distances. Minimum mark up for materials. Always charge Time and Materials, to the quarter hour.
frustrating, but dont abandon free estimates if they’ve been getting you business thus far. this is likely one of those outlying cases where you end up getting taken advantage of, but think big picture – if free estimates help you land more bids that you accept than ghostings, keep going.
by the way – if this DIYer decides he can’t do it, or if he does it and realizes it would have just been cheaper and faster to hire someone with experience, youre the one hes gonna call