When it comes to home improvement, it can be hard to find reputable contractors who won’t take advantage of you. This was certainly the case for me when I went ahead and got five separate estimates for a job I was having done. The prices given to me were outrageously high and my male neighbor was having the same work done as me, but his prices were less than half of mine.
I decided to take matters into my own hands and asked two of the contractors to come over on a day my husband was working from home. To my surprise, both contractors gave him the same price my male neighbor has been getting. It just goes to show that gender can be a determining factor for contractors when it comes to pricing, even if it shouldn’t be.
It’s not just in the home improvement industry that this type of thing happens. I’ve had men at a car dealership laugh when I said my engine smelled like burning syrup, saying I was imagining it. It turned out there was a crack in the radiator of my new car!
It can also happen when you’re buying a house for the first time. I was getting electricians quoting me at least $3,000 to rewire a bathroom with 3 lights and a triple gang box with a dedicated 20amp circuit for a heated floor. It took me a long time to find one that was willing to do the job for a fair price. The same goes for when we were looking to replace our HVAC. The first company that came out tried to pressure us into signing a contract without giving us the best deal.
So what can you do to avoid getting ripped off when it comes to home improvement projects? Firstly, do your research. Look for reviews and ask around for recommendations. Secondly, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Don’t just take the first quote you get without comparing it to others. Thirdly, have a friend or family member present to act as an advocate for you. And finally, if you feel like you’re being taken advantage of, don’t hesitate to speak up.
No one should be ripped off or taken advantage of, regardless of gender. Never be afraid to stand up for yourself and demand fair pricing. With some research, negotiation, and a little bit of help from a friend, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.