Is this the norm? (Reston, Herndon: real estate, HOA, credit) - City-Data Forum

Fairfax Mom · 05-10-2008, 09:14 PM

We have been homeowners for over 20 years and have lived in a lot of houses that needed a lot of work done. We have been in NOVA for about 2 years.

So my husband calls up a guy to come and give us an estimate for taking down a dead tree - he gives the estimate and then asks for $20 for the estimate!!
He could not believe it - the guy did not mention a fee in his ad or when my husband called him.

We have NEVER been asked for money for a simple estimate from any of the contractors we have hired in the past - especially for something as simple as taking down a tree. We had an entire addtion put on a house and none of the contracters asked for a fee for an estimate.

Well - my husband refused to pay it even though the guy was much bigger than him and there could have been trouble. I would have gotten my frying pan out and decked the guy.

Has this happended to anyone else? Man, what a scam - I bet some suckers actually pay. I could see if the guy told us about the fee up front - but he didnt. And the sad thing is that his estimate was good and we would have hired him - but we wont because of this.

normie · 05-11-2008, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

So my husband calls up a guy to come and give us an estimate for taking down a dead tree - he gives the estimate and then asks for $20 for the estimate!!
He could not believe it - the guy did not mention a fee in his ad or when my husband called him.

We have NEVER been asked for money for a simple estimate from any of the contractors we have hired in the past - especially for something as simple as taking down a tree. We had an entire addtion put on a house and none of the contracters asked for a fee for an estimate.

Well - my husband refused to pay it even though the guy was much bigger than him and there could have been trouble. I would have gotten my frying pan out and decked the guy.

Has this happended to anyone else?

It happened to me for the first time last year--on two different occasions. Both were HVAC contractors who insisted on a fee for giving an estimate. They claim it's necessary because the high cost of gasoline means they can no longer drive to someone's house for free.

I personally do not do business that way. We got other contractors. But, I will give them credit that they told me about the fee upfront.

IMO, when it comes to tree removal your best bet is to ask your HOA who they use for the community property. My experience is that you'll get a very good price because he's already in the area working on the HOA property. And, you have a better chance of working with someone reliable.

Erma · 05-11-2008, 05:57 AM

I use service magic to recommend contractors to me and the contractor pays service magic to be in their site. Service Magic makes sure that all their contractors are licensed, bonded and legal. They even email you after the service provided to critique the contractor.

sundevil85 · 05-11-2008, 07:34 AM

I would say that by VA Law (correct me if I'm wrong), they would be required to tell you this upfront. Same/same for auto repair places. I remember a few years back, service people tacking on "trip fees." It's funny how everyone is so proud of the "affluence" in NoVa, but when it comes time to pay someone the high rates required to live there, they become disgruntled. He still should have told you in advance, and let you use that fee towards services. Hope for a competent high school kid, or pay through the nose--that's the NoVa way.

Fairfax Mom · 05-11-2008, 08:00 PM

They think I am rich because I live in Fairfax - problem is I am not rich like my fellow Fairfax neighbors - we live in one of the cheapest homes in Fairfax according to Realtor.com so I dont have the 20 bucks to spare like all the stuck up people around here. I have no affulence to be proud of. All I know is that goods and services are very high priced around here

normie · 05-11-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

They think I am rich because I live in Fairfax - problem is I am not rich like my fellow Fairfax neighbors - we live in one of the cheapest homes in Fairfax according to Realtor.com so I dont have the 20 bucks to spare like all the stuck up people around here. I have no affulence to be proud of. All I know is that goods and services are very high priced around here

LOL, I'm with you. I wouldn't have paid him either. I'm always careful with money, that's why I have some.

VRE332 · 05-11-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

They think I am rich because I live in Fairfax - problem is I am not rich like my fellow Fairfax neighbors -

If they were rich, why in the world would you live in Fairfax? I would be on a jet out of here like it was yesterday. Anyways, does this guy belong to a big company? I would call and ask them if they provide free estimates or not.

GoRedSox13 · 05-11-2008, 09:24 PM

Don't pay. Its illegal to ask for fee after-the-fact. Fees must be stated up front, and notated on some kinda of written agreement/contract with your signature. Don't let them give you any BS, call the cops if you must.

Fairfax Mom · 05-12-2008, 11:08 AM

VRE332 - Are you kidding? All the rich people live in Fairfax. A lot of of the homes go for over 2 mil - thats rich in my book.

Where do you think the rich should live? Near you? Where is the better area to live in?

lchoro · 05-12-2008, 11:46 AM

Well, how far did they have to come to make the estimate? Maybe they had no other business in your area. I had to wait several days on the last two contractors till they had other service calls in the Reston-Herndon area.

When we had a fallen tree removed in 2006, we contacted a Rappahannock Co arborist made known through our real estate agent since the others we contacted were backed up and charging excessive rates. We were able to get it done for $1700.