Home Improvement Contractor - Licensed Contractors

How long should it take to get back an estimate from a home improvement contractor?

I've been waiting 3 weeks for two estimates from different contractors on a couple of small home improvement projects. I've already called once for a follow up. Move on or wait longer? OK....I've decided to move on and get other contractors to come and make estimates. What would be the best way to choose reliable and quality contractors without having any referrals? So the phrase "no job too small" on their advertisments and phone book ads really don't apply? I have a clean house, never said I didn't want to spend too much money, and collectively all three projects in my opinion are worth the time to send me an estimate. I called one of the contractors again last night and left a message. Still, no return call. Bummed. Thanks for all of your responses they are all good and I appreciate your input!

Public Comments

1. i guess it doesn't hurt to have few more contractors. One of them has to pay the attention you deserve.
2. move on if it takes that long for an estimate how long will the job take? Theres a link to my homepage below there you will find a link to get free estimates its a free service and theres also a forum for more specific questions. edit: free estimates from prescreened contractors http://www.freewebs.com/lmills148/index.htm
3. Move on. This indicates they are not trustworthy and certainly don't know how to schedule themselves. They should have gotten back to you in a few days. Think of it this way, the estimate is the EASIEST thing for them to do and a time to put their best foot forward to impress you. If they don't care about generating their own income, they surely won't care about satisfying you and doing the job well and on time. Even if you hear back, steer clear of them or you may be very sorry. EDIT: ask the contractor for referals from recient customers of theirs.
4. Wait a little longer. It's the start of home improvement season so if you have a contractor who has awaiting jobs or jobs before you, it will take some time to for them to determine your needs However, I would try to call again to talk to someone who can tell you whether or not they are still working on the estimate. If they are still working on it, then you're good.
5. move on. i've been selling home improvements for many years, this is the busy season, but if you've been waiting three weeks for estimates, and you've called to remind them you're waiting and still haven't gotten a response, it sounds like they don't want to do your project. if they do want to do your project and they haven't gotten back to you, then you don't want them to do your project. (if it takes three weeks for an estimate, how long will it take to get the job completed and what happens if you call them for service?) call someone else to come out and give you an estimate.
6. Something may be wrong here. #1. Either you had a couple of non-professionals come out to look at your project or they just don't want your job. #2. Perhaps your projects were just too small for them. #3. Maybe you wanted something unreasonable or you made the statement " I don't want to spend a lot of money on this". The next contractor you call out to your house - just ask him/her " Is this job too small for you? If so could you suggest an individual to do it". Or ask them " Am I being logical with what I am wanting to do here?". When you ask for honesty - you will usually get it.