Are contractors still charging absurd prices? (Boston: home, construction, live in)

[mdovell]

The few basics of this are that immigration is next to nothing, students left and people are afraid of the virus regardless of if others say something is safe. The range is just so odd. I wear a mask and sometimes gloves. I'm not disinfecting my mail or groceries.

Outdoor work has demand, especially with good weather. Once the ground freezes and the fall goes into the winter then it shifts. See a DPW crew if weather is beyond 50 degrees in November, they have happier than a pig in #%^$. The weather in new england changes. This creates time scarcity which I would argue factors into the cost of living. Seasonality isn't a bad thing but you have to be more creative. This is why I see grounds maintenance along with snow plowing with the same company.

[gf2020]

Originally Posted by matrix5k

Are contractors still charging absurd prices?

How do you know the prices are absurd?

[matrix5k]

Originally Posted by gf2020

How do you know the prices are absurd?

Is 40k reasonable for the amount of work I described? It was my first quote so we'll see what other companies say. It's just amazing to be that so many people can afford big projects like this.

We are also shopping around for mini split cooling systems. Prices range from 20-30k.

[BostonMike7]

Hard to say without seeing what size of stone wall and patio is being put in and the specifics of the property. I imagine that's the biggest driver of the cost. I can see that as why it's so expensive.

Stuff's not cheap. I did a composite deck and front landing two years ago for $26K. That was the cheapest quote we got (and the end result came out beautiful). Some quotes were $30K. My parents wanted to pull up an old deck and redo it in composite. It was a rather large deck so the quote was north of $40K. My father and I ended up doing it ourselves last fall.

Part of being a homeowner. Pay up, or do it yourself.

[matrix5k]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7Y9JFW..._r.CUEbHK0ZJBX

Is something like this comparable to the mini splits from an HVAC company? This costs a couple thousand but the HVAC companies are quoting 20-30k.

[wolfgang239]

Originally Posted by matrix5k

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7Y9JFW..._r.CUEbHK0ZJBX

Is something like this comparable to the mini splits from an HVAC company? This costs a couple thousand but the HVAC companies are quoting 20-30k.

Not familiar with this brand in particular but it is important to understand what purpose they will serve. If you will mostly be using them for cooling and shoulder season heating then they will probably be fine. If you intend to use them for as a primary heating source in New England you would be better served looking into the top tier equipment (like Mitsu, Daikin, etc.) as it maintains a reasonable COP down to low temps. Some of the cheaper units are no better than running a space heater at lower temps. That being said, the Mass Save rebates for the cold weather heat pumps often buys down the difference from non cold weather units.


You'll find that the majority of the time labor and warranty are what get you on these prices. Ask the same installer to put in an off brand and you'll lose the warranty/performance and probably only save a few $k. Get a few more quotes. If you already have ductwork and are already nearing the time for an AC condenser replacement then swap it for a unit like the Bosch BOVA or similar ducted heat pump and save all the extra labor costs. If you heat with oil or propane there are some great Mass Save rebates for integrated control fuel optimization with heat pumps right now.

[robr2]

Stone walls and patios are expensive to do. A neighbor was quoted $24K for 3' tall stone walls lining each side of his 30' driveway.

[bugelrex]

Originally Posted by matrix5k

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7Y9JFW..._r.CUEbHK0ZJBX

Is something like this comparable to the mini splits from an HVAC company? This costs a couple thousand but the HVAC companies are quoting 20-30k.

How about this one.. supposed to be DIY
https://www.homedepot.com/p/MRCOOL-D...0B25/311900321

[sawyer2]

Originally Posted by matrix5k

We are also shopping around for mini split cooling systems. Prices range from 20-30k.

Just one recommendation .... if you are adding a mini split I would also have them quote how much extra it would be to include heat. It is a lot less expensive this way, rather than adding it on later, and the new heat pumps are very efficient and suitable for cold climates - even if you use it just for the shoulder seasons or as a back-up.

As for the landscaping, just get multiple quotes from reputable contractors. If they are all in the same ball park then that is what it costs for that job in your location.

[matrix5k]

Originally Posted by bugelrex

How about this one.. supposed to be DIY
https://www.homedepot.com/p/MRCOOL-D...0B25/311900321

Does heat pump mean it heats and cools? Would be nice to have in the sunroom for winter.