Are we getting ripped off for basement HVAC work?

March 12, 2008 7:31 PM

Home HVAC filter: Help us figure out if we're getting ripped off! We were quoted $800 for some HVAC work that needs to be done for finishing our basement; is this a reasonable amount?

My husband is acting as the general contractor for finishing our basement, which is approx. 600 square feet. He just hired a guy who was recommended to us as an HVAC "expert" (as in he works for an HVAC company during the day) by someone we trust. We initially got a good feeling about this guy, and we went with him without getting other estimates because we're eager to get this work done. (I know, I know, not the best decision.) We hired him off the books and he quoted us $800 for the following work: From the main trunk in the basement ceiling, he ran two 15-foot lines with a single register at the end of each. He also cut into an existing line and added two registers. All of this is occurring between the floor joists in the ceiling of the basement. The price sounded reasonable to us, but it turns out that it will only be about 4-5 hours worth of work, which has made us wonder if perhaps we're overpaying. Of course, we assumed that since he's doing this work off the books that we'd be getting a deal.

Anyone have any idea if this is a reasonable amount to pay? Anyone who has experience with HVAC subcontractors or who is an HVAC subcontractor, your input is greatly appreciated!

posted by crunchtopmuffin to home & garden (3 comments total)

I don't think it sounds all that unreasonable. (Where are you? That will affect things too)
He is probably billing his time at ~$85 an hour, which is about half the bill, and then materials, and possibly fabrication costs for the ducts, depending on if they are off-the-shelf or not. Or maybe he needs a helper to give him a hand with some of the longer duct runs, and there is two people's time in that price.

Ask him for a cost breakout -- if he is an honest guy, he shouldn't be offended. Especially if you spin it as "Geez, you know, I'm new to this whole GC thing -- can you just walk me through your quote?" Since you don't know or suspect he is screwing you over, make sure you don't make it sounds like an accusation, because then he WILL become defensive, even if his price is fair.
posted by misterbrandt at 8:59 PM on March 12

Nice timing on your question. I was seriously considering posting something similar.

I'm going to finish off my basement into about 600-700 sq. feet of living space. It will require about 3long/2short heating runs and 2long/2short returns.

I've been quoted 4 prices so far:

1 - A flat $1050 (or less) depending on materials. The guy has 4 years experience.

2 - $125 per run. 9x$125 = $1125. This guy has 15 years experience.

3 - I've been told it will cost about $250-$300 for the materials and will take 3 somewhat handy guys a good part of a day to finish. Which will run me $100+ in babysitter, beer and steaks.

4 - $950 was the 'off the top of his head' quote from my plumber for one of his buddies.

I'm also in a time crunch as I need to finish this and my wiring in the next 10 days.

So........all things considered, I think the price is fair if his work passes inspection.
posted by tickettrader at 10:49 PM on March 12

Thanks for your responses. We're in Colorado, by the way, about 25 miles outside Denver. He's working by himself. I bet it's just not taking him very long because he really is an expert at what he does. The work looks well done at this point. We'll see if it passes inspection! Thanks again!
posted by crunchtopmuffin at 12:22 PM on March 13