The Dreaded Budget

I meet with many people, on a weekly basis, to discuss their iron needs.  Often, the people that I meet have no idea what it costs to fabricate and install iron products. I may end up being the appointment directly following someone that has just met with a wood contractor because my potential client is considering both a wood or iron product. You may not know this, but wood is much more affordable than iron. The person that I end up meeting with is then discouraged and dismayed about the price difference.

It is sometimes more productive for both myself and my potential client to discuss the budget before even meeting. If the budget isn't in the ball park, then I've saved us both a lot of time. As a consumer myself, I'm often leery to expose what I want to pay for something, thinking that I might not get the best price by doing so. I understand when people aren't willing to talk about their budget, but sometimes it's necessary. I hate to see people get their hopes up just to have them dashed because the price is twice as much as they anticipated. Why not get all the cards right out there on the table before getting too involved.

I've found that a good practice is to discuss over the phone what the client's needs and expectations are. If my potential client has photos of the area where the iron design is to be installed, I ask that they email me those photos. I talk to them about the measurements, the finish and the design expectations. I can, more often than not, give an approximate price right over the phone. If my potential client is agreeable to that price, then we meet and finalize the design and details.  By taking the time up front, it ends up being more of a win, win situation for everyone.

It is important to decide what you are willing to pay for a project before meeting with contractors. It is also important to establish exactly what you want in the way of design, know what materials are to be used, and be sure to include any misc. items that your interested in such as an automatic gate operator, telephone entry system or wireless keypad. This way, you can compare apples to apples all the prices that you collect.  If you like a contractor, but someone else’s price is less, don’t be afraid to contact that contractor to discuss his price.  You might find out that one of the contractors is proposing to use better materials or a different finish and that's why there's a price difference.  Educating yourself before signing a contract is the best way to get the most for your dollars.  In this economy, we are all looking out for our pocket books.  Most contractors understand this and will work with you to come in within budget, giving you the design you want, and a product you can be proud of.