We regularly get phone calls from all over Boston from clients who are frustrated because they tried to hire someone to do something around their house and were unsuccessful. There are many reasons this can be the case but primarily we have found that the vast majority of people just don’t understand that they are playing a numbers game and that’s why they’re losing. If a client tells me they want someone to replace the carpet in an upstairs bedroom, I am going to open up our contact database and I’m going to start calling and I’m not going to stop until I have reached out to at least 20 different vendors. Yes, 20. And here’s why. If you try calling someone who puts down carpet during the day, there is a good chance you are going to get their voicemail. They are busy carpeting! (And if they’re not, there’s a chance there’s a reason why…. If you do reach a secretary don’t forget the cost of her salary will likely be reflected in the final cost of the project) Now some numbers might be out of service, maybe one guy retired but that means I’ve still probably left at least 15 voicemails. Out of that maybe 10 will actually get back to me. Those 10 give me appointments for different days and times but I do my best to corral them into groups where possible. Out of those 10 only 7 actually show up for the appointments they made. You ask those 7 to give you a written quote. Written quotes are like tradesman kryptonite. If you are willing to work off verbal quotes you can absolutely get things moving more quickly, but it can often lead to regret down the road when results and final costs don’t match the initial numbers you were given and you don’t have proof of what those were. So you ask those 7 for written quotes, you will be lucky to actually receive 3 or 4 from the 7 people you asked for them. That is the actual amount of time and effort that is often required to achieve what seems like a much simpler goal and the vast majority of people tend to underestimate it by a large margin. Time of year, the current state of the economy, supply issues and many other factors can move the needle a bit in either direction, in terms of how eagerly vendors are looking for work. But good tradespeople are in high demand pretty much perennially and it takes effort to get on their radar and stay there long enough to bring a project to completion. If that sounds like a lot of work, that’s because it is. Coordinating contractors and vendors is something we handle regularly for clients throughout Boston. If you’re overwhelmed by a home project, we’re happy to help simplify the process.
FAQ
How many quotes should I get for a home improvement project?
Usually 3–4 written quotes after contacting multiple vendors.
Can a personal assistant coordinate contractors?
Yes — this is one of the most time-saving ways clients use our service.
What areas do you serve?
We work with clients throughout Boston and surrounding areas including Newton, Lexington, Quincy and further afield as well.