New Beams
New Beams
(OP)
Is there an average cost for replacing beam in an old house???
Per foot perhaps??
Taking down old cracked beams, replacing with new rebar and concrete.
Per foot perhaps??
Taking down old cracked beams, replacing with new rebar and concrete.






RE: New Beams
RE: New Beams
RE: New Beams
I could be wrong, but having advised that several estimate should be received, I don't feel that the homeowner should be in debt before the project even begins.
The idea of having several contractors bid on the work and the homeowner choosing the one he/she is most comfortable with seems reasonable in order to find the most qualified and most cost effective.
As to why a contractor may be struggling...well, boom or no boom there are many contractors who struggle for any one of a number of reasons, poor workmanship, exorbient estimates, etc. In fact, I'll bet that the Better Business Bureau could give you plently of reasons for struggling contractors and could probably give a list of things to do when considering hiring a contractor.
RE: New Beams
The present day system you describe with the contractor working for free is fast becoming the "prior system". The definition of an estimate may be the sticking point. It too is seeing increasingly limited use. It would not be found in a contract. These day an estimate is a guesstimate or ballpark. We provide those is some cases (verbal only) because some homeowners have no clue as to what is involved. A good example would be the difference in window installation on new work vs replacement. On new the framer puts in the rough opening and the "installer" unboxes the window, levels it up and puts in the fasteners with a few pulls of the trigger on his nail gun. A replacement requires furniture movement, site protection inside and out, removal of the original (now covered with brick, maybe a window guard, drywall return and a delicate sill) The replacement is custom made for the opening (more expensive) is more difficult to install and clean up is more extensive. If the homeowner has watched a house built on the lot next to his he has no clue. So when we tell them it will be $1,000 per window (ball park) they may respond, "I had no idea". That's about all the estimate is worth. We have to tell them why it costs that much.
It is perfectly reasonable that the homeowner should chose the contractor they feel most comfortable with. We don't think that is the one that is cheapest or the one that will provide details later. We give them everthing up front and they appreciate the work we put into it. Our method allows us to eliminate the tire kickers, and we don't have to jack up our rates to the real customers just to cover our costs. We also want to still be in business so that we can handle any problems our clients may experience. The cut rate guy won't be there. It's good business for all concerned. Odin