Ballpark quotes are landmines

BY JACOB KIRST

It's fun at the ballpark, but not when it comes to getting estimates

You might be tempted when you hear a simple phrase tossed out by a potential renovator or builder: “Here’s a quick estimate…”

When you hear that, look out. These words often spell frustration, unexpected costs, and daunted expectations.

Ballpark quotes are more like landmines than a ball game.

When potential contractors pull numbers from thin air – as opposed to thoughtful design, careful planning, and deep collaboration – they aren’t helping anyone except maybe themselves.

At Lagois, we believe in a different approach. Each of our renovations or custom home projects begins with our Conceptual Design Phase. This isn’t just a formality. It’s a strategic investment.

We use this design phase to uncover and understand:

• how you want to live in your space

• what constraints your property or structure presents

• how materials and systems interact

This Lagois project, "The Eclectic Treasure", was the result of careful design and planning.

At the same time, we educate you on incidentals and how everything aligns, truthfully and fully, with your investment.

We don’t tell you what you want to hear. Your trust in us starts with honesty, even when it’s sometimes hard to hear. You need to know exactly what your vision needs to bring it to reality. After all, this is so much more than a project, a contract signed. This is your home. It’s your investment.

I have met with homeowners who were told by contractors that their dream renovation would be done for half the actual cost only to be devastated when the work fell apart mid-construction. This is what happens when things are rushed, underquoted, or shaped around assumptions.

At Lagois, Perfecting the Art of Living is a great deal more than a ballpark number. It’s a thoughtful roadmap. Perfecting the Art of Living aligns beautiful design with your life today and where you see yourself tomorrow. It’s about long-term partnership.

Your home is personal. It’s where you begin each morning and where you celebrate milestones. It’s where your family gathers and where life evolves. We know this, because we’re homeowners, too.

You might notice that we tend to ask a lot of questions. We do this so we can fully understand who you are and how you see your life unfolding. You might want to talk about timeless living in place, energy efficiency, resiliency, a kitchen that keeps up with your growing family, or simply a retreat with breathing room. Whatever it is, we listen.

Our role is to advocate for you and to ensure every decision we make together moves you toward Perfecting the Art of Living.

Jacob Kirst is President and Visionary at Lagois Design∙Build∙Renovate.