Whether it's rough or sugar-coated, that's not the issue. The point and bottom line are the challenges and how its measured the same way for contractors. There are some areas in the home that if the property owner wants to handle, they are within their right to do so. But, as a precaution, I would advise them of the potential hazards of certain tasks and the time it takes should be considered greatly. I'm not oppose to giving estimates, and I see producing a range can be a benefit. I've also approached it as "what's their budget" first and then advising what can be done with that figure. Now, its understood that this doesn't always apply to all aspects of a renovation. But if a client is looking at redoing their kitchen for example, this works quite well. I always give the client to choose the budget range they're most comfortable in. For the most part, they tend to work with a mid-range. So, I help lead them to options that would fall within that category and they are pretty content with the selections and at same time there's no second guessing what's going into their kitchen. From cabinets, flooring, countertops, you name it, down to the knob. Its all about finding a middle ground, while at the same time not compromising your system and procedures you've worked so hard to put in place.
