Project Cost and How You can Control It

Here at Indy Builders, we like to say our pricing is competitive. When you look at your estimate, you may care to say you disagree, however, and that's fine! If you've ever found the perfect TV or the perfect pair of jeans and felt your heart break when you saw the price tag, then you know the feeling. Just like with items like these, there's a lot of behind-the-scenes costs that many people don't think about that are included in every estimate, no matter who you get it from. And while another contractor might offer the same project at a lower cost, it isn't always wise to go with the cheaper option. Just like a lower quality TV can break more easily and a different brand of jeans might be more easily torn, a contractor who does discounted work could end up costing you more in the long run in repairs. Never fret at the first initial estimate you receive; unlike with buying the TV or jeans, your estimate is customizable in a way that fits your needs, and the final cost is inevitably decided by you.

Typically, when an estimate is given, its the very first step related to your project before all your little details such as flooring or appliances are picked. This means when we quote you a price, we're giving you the average cost of all material, appliances, finishes, etc. If you find the quote lower than what you expected you can increase your budget on certain aspects of your projects, or if it's higher than what you want you can choose finishes that are more budget friendly. Indy Builders is rolling out a system called "Good, Better, Best" that gives us a better idea of what to quote your project at. If you're looking for premium appliances, custom cabinetry, or a steam shower, you're looking to be quoted at the "Best" level, which runs premium pricing. Standard remodels where you're not looking to tile much or do much renovating can be Good or Better, based on other aspects of your project. Let us know up front what's right for you so we can save you the heart attack on your estimate later!

That isn't to say the package you choose isn't customizable; maybe cabinets are the only thing you want to splurge on. Maybe you already really like your kitchen island and just need it repainted. If you're seeing an estimate that's still just a little too high, ask us what we can do to bring it down to where you're comfortable and we'll do our best! Maybe appliances will be for a different project. Maybe you can nix the double fixture shower for one that would require a single rough-in. Maybe that wall doesn't need to be demolished. We'll go over all the options with you to see where we can save you money and send out your new estimate right away.

Our designer will also be made clear of what your budget for every aspect of your project is and will make sure you don't go over or under where you don't want to. If you fall in love with the idea of LVP instead of tile in the kitchen (going for that country charm look, maybe?) or you change your mind on the tile backsplash, you could save yourself a lot of money by the time your next estimate rolls around. On the other hand, if you decide you want marble countertops instead of quartz and make it clear to the designer this is a final decision, you just rose your budget up and will pay more in the long run. Let the designer know if they have to pull you away from a potential budget increase and they'll gladly do so! Also be sure not to throw out any hidden design choices you didn't inform the field rep about; these wouldn't be on the estimate we originally quoted you, and adding them later during the design process will make your next estimate go up.

It's important to understand that some things just can't be changed; material costs and labor for example. Due to COVID, the cost of several building materials such as wood and concrete have increased drastically, giving a nasty uphill incline to recent estimates. While relationships with manufacturers have helped in some areas of cost, unfortunately it seems to be a price jump that won't go away for a while. Labor, on the other hand, we do have a bit more sway in. However, when you're budgeting for something extremely labor intensive like tile, the amount of wiggle room we have to give drops significantly. Other parts of the estimate include the design fee which is included for most projects where a floor plan or a professional opinion is needed, along with the warranty we'll maintenance any part of your project that we completed as long as it wasn't purposely damaged.

So now that you know that your choices during the process can affect the outcome of your final estimate, hopefully project planning will be a little less scary for you! Just remember that the more clear you are during the process, the easier we can quote you for exactly what you want. And if you have to go quartz instead of marble countertops, we'll still make sure you're as happy as possible!