When it comes to remodeling your home, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: "Can I get a free estimate?" While free estimates are prevalent in the remodeling industry, they are often more detrimental than beneficial.
Here's why you should think twice before trusting an estimate, especially a free one.
1. Not Everyone Is Qualified to Give an Accurate Remodeling Estimate
Anyone can throw out a number. I could provide you with a free estimate of the cost to build a spaceship to the moon, despite knowing nothing about space travel. The same applies to kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, and whole-home remodels. If the person giving you the estimate doesn't understand construction, building science, or the scope of your project, the number is meaningless.
2. Not Everyone Is Honest About the Cost
Worse than being unqualified is being dishonest. Some contractors intentionally lowball estimates to win your business, knowing they'll tack on costs later through change orders. These change orders may sound legitimate, but they are often part of a strategy. It's the classic "Oh, you wanted a return trip from the moon? That's extra."
Some contractors know exactly what they're doing and count on you being too deep into the project to walk away.
3. Precision Estimates Take Time and Expertise
A truly accurate remodeling estimate requires time, experience, and planning. It involves understanding your goals, the scope of work, existing conditions, and even material availability. That's why we don't offer free estimates—and we're proud of that.
Instead, we provide a feasibility study early in the process. This low-cost service gives you a bracketed budget range based on real project data. From there, we help you refine the scope to align with your investment objectives.
4. Never Sign a Contract Based on an Estimate Alone
This is one of the most essential rules in remodeling. If a contractor hands you an estimate and a contract to sign, walk away. Estimates are just guesses unless they are supported by a detailed scope of work and preliminary design concepts. Our process ensures that by the time we present a final number, it's a fixed investment, not a vague estimate. And it's usually within 10% of what we projected in the early phases—unless significant changes are made.
Our Transparent Remodeling Budgeting Process
At Stearns Design Build, our step-by-step process removes the guesswork:
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Initial Consultation – We listen to your goals and discuss your budget.
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Feasibility Study – A low-cost way to estimate your likely investment range.
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Concept Design + Estimate – We create a basic design and provide a budget, usually within 10% of the final cost.
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Detailed Scope + Fixed Investment – You'll know exactly what you're getting and what it will cost.
This proven approach ensures that your remodeling project aligns with your lifestyle, needs, and budget, without any surprises.
Don't fall for the "free estimate" trap. It's tempting, but it rarely leads to a smooth remodeling experience. Instead, work with a team that values transparency, precision, and planning.
Let's start your remodeling journey the right way.
