I'm working on a basic contractor job for my apartment that mainly involves painting and a few simple tasks like replacing a door and removing built-in shelves. However, I'm noticing that the charge for 'protection, removals, and demolition' comes to almost one-third of my total quote. For a $16k project, that's $4.5k just for that part! Is this a normal price, or is it too high?
3 Answers
Without knowing your location or the specifics of the job, it’s hard to say if that’s reasonable. When someone describes a job as 'simple', I can't help but think they might underestimate the work involved. If you're looking to cut costs, you could consider doing some of the demolition yourself!
It really depends on what they're protecting. If your apartment is occupied, they have to consider the labor and materials needed to cover your furniture and keep dust under control. It's not just a simple task; it takes time and effort.
Also, ask your contractor if they're using a spray or brush for the paint. Spraying often requires a lot of prep work, which could be included in that cost. Plus, the difficulty of removing the shelves or how the new door is being installed can also impact pricing.
Good point! I live in a 3-bedroom apartment in Manhattan where prices are high, so it's tough to tell what's fair. But I did feel the extra charges for that specific part stood out compared to the painting.