Price of New System

[budboy]

I am having an addition built and contractor uses own subs. I was given an est for complete install of Lennox XP19 (3ton or 4ton) 2-zone system and new ductwork. 2425 sq ft total heated/cooled space. Have elec basebrd in existing part of home. No ductwork exists. Will be perfoming a Manual J in 2 weeks. Approx est is $XXXXX complete. Does this sound in-line? Live in the Northeast. Not sure if I can get other estimates in time.

I guess you did not read the rules of the site about pricing questions. There is no way any professional can tell you if that price is acceptable or not with out seeing the actual job.

[neophytes serendipity]

So, no thought was given to this earlier?

Not supposed to post pricing here.

As to whether or not it is in line, only other *qualified* bids will tell you.

Plenty of material in the Wall of Shame from people that chose their contractors poorly, so choose wisely.

[coolwhip]

I hear the sound of MOD's approaching. :eek: :D

[frigetater]

I hear the sound of MOD's approaching. :eek: :D

very heavy feet

[HeyBob]

very heavy feet

LOL...........Arpa beat me to that one...........

[budboy]

Nope, sorry, never read the rules. Sorry. But why is everything always a secret? That will always keep us novices and unknowing homeowners out of the know. I wish we all had all the time to research every topic, but sadly our lives are always 100 miles per hour. My expertise is nursing. Well, will just have to hope for the best.

[coolguysfl]

It's not a secret Bud, there are just too many variables involved, this isn't as simplistic as plugging in a new refrigerator out of the box.

[neophytes serendipity]

There is plenty of information here and elsewhere on the internet to learn about what makes or breaks a good HVAC system and contractor.

Three different contractors can bid your job and give you nine different prices in the "good, better, best" format. It is impossible to make an informed decision based soley on price in any catergory because of installation standards (or lack thereof).

You must be an educated consumer and learn the questions to ask. Smart contractors will answer them (without telling you how to do the job) and allow you to get the best system for your budget.

It is probably fair to assume that you have spent more time planning finishes, lighting, outlet locations and other exposed work than the time spent to ensure that your HVAC system is done right.

Lots of luck. :)

[dhvac]

you can ask any questions you want about the system just not to fix or price it reasons why if someone tells you how to fix it and leave out the smallest detail it can cause damage to the system, injury or death the the person trying the repair
as for pricing no one know what is involved in that job unless they see it if they are not from you area they dont know what permits and fees apply, if its not seen we can not guess whether it is a cake job or a pia so thats why we cant give out prices here not to mention the overhead and expenses in different areas are different

[signalmountainman]

From the cost perspective, best advice anyone ever gave me was to request an written itemized estimate. Contractors in this field never seem to willingly give itemized estimates. I live in the "nice" area of town and contractors love to stick it to naive home owners. I've seen quotes that were double for what I thought was the same product. They may even tell you that they are only making $XXX off of this job if you get an itemized estimate. This will help you understand what is reasonable to do a particular job. If it only takes two hour to do a job and the contractor is making $XXXX, something might be wrong with the estimate. Also understand that they must make a living, but it should be reasonable for the service that is provided.

[neophytes serendipity]

From the cost perspective, best advice anyone ever gave me was to request an written itemized estimate. Contractors in this field never seem to willingly give itemized estimates. I live in the "nice" area of town and contractors love to stick it to naive home owners. I've seen quotes that were double for what I thought was the same product. They may even tell you that they are only making $XXX off of this job if you get an itemized estimate. This will help you understand what is reasonable to do a particular job. If it only takes two hour to do a job and the contractor is making $XXXX, something might be wrong with the estimate. Also understand that they must make a living, but it should be reasonable for the service that is provided.

And who are you to determine what is "reasonable for the service provided"?

Lawyers seem to have no trouble collecting $450 an hour for their services...

[Mr Bill]

And who are you to determine what is "reasonable for the service provided"?

Lawyers seem to have no trouble collecting $450 an hour for their services...

Yea you ever had surgery? Just the Doc's fee not the Hospital or nothing else was $2500.00 and only took 45 minutes hell I am in the wrong business. :eek:
Hey Doc's are Professionals and so are we why don't we make the same?

[dan sw fl]

[QUOTE=budboy;1322064] I am having an addition built and contractor uses own subs. ... (3ton or 4ton) 2-zone system and new ductwork. 2425 sq ft total heated/cooled space. Have elec basebrd in existing part of home.

.....................
NICE Size addition IF PLANNED WELL.

[2hot2coolme]

Yeah Sure...from my competitors after I'd walk out the front door...