Warning: I think not charging extra for stairs is a mistake, even if it loses some jobs.

Got into a funny argument with a buddy who says it's just part of the service, but then he had a client with three flights who expected it for free. Now I quote stairs separately and avoid those surprise talks.

3 comments

3 Comments

allen.aaron2mo ago

Quote stairs as a separate line item so it's clear from the start. I mean, it saves that awkward talk later when you're already on the job.

smith.anna2mo ago

My buddy in Tacoma got hit with a $400 stair charge mid-job last month. His painter never put it in the first quote.

blair_martin2mo ago

That "awkward talk later" Allen mentioned is so true. My friend had a similar thing happen where a contractor added a big fee for moving furniture, something he just assumed was part of the deal. It totally wrecked the trust they had. It's exactly like what happened to @smith.anna's buddy, getting that surprise stair charge. Being clear about every cost from the start just seems like the only way to do business now. Those mid-job fees feel like a trick, even if it's not meant that way.