How Dan Rock Handles a Job: First Call to Final Walkthrough
See exactly how we run a project at Dan Rock, from the first phone call through scoping, scheduling, and the finished result. Book a site visit today.
At Dan Rock, our process runs in five stages: a free 15-minute phone consult, an on-site scope with written quote inside 48 hours, a signed agreement with milestone dates, the build itself with daily progress notes, and a final walkthrough where you sign off before we invoice the balance. No surprises, no guesswork.
We've been doing it this way since 2017, and it's the reason most of our work now comes from referrals. Below is what actually happens at each step, why we structured it this way, and where people usually get tripped up.
What happens when you first call Dan Rock?
The first call is short on purpose. We ask three things: what you want done, when you'd like it finished, and roughly what you've budgeted. That's it. If we're a fit, we book a site visit within the week. If we're not, we'll tell you on the phone and point you to someone who is.
Most people ask first about price. That's the wrong first question. Ask about the failure rate, because a job quoted low and rebuilt twice costs more than a job quoted honestly once. Google's own research on service businesses confirms that transparent upfront communication is the single strongest predictor of a five-star review [1].
The site visit itself runs 30 to 60 minutes. We measure, photograph, and ask the awkward questions now so we don't hit them mid-build. Last March, a homeowner on Willow Street called us for a "quick fix." Twenty minutes into the visit we found rot behind the trim she hadn't seen. Better to know on day one than day fourteen.
How do we scope and quote the work?
Every quote we send is itemised. You'll see labour, materials, disposal, and any subcontractor lines separately, so you know exactly what you're paying for. Our minimum call-out is $180, and most residential jobs land between $1,400 and $9,000 depending on scope.
Here's how our three engagement tiers compare:
| Tier | Typical cost | Turnaround | Best for |
|------|-------------|-----------|----------|
| Call-out repair | $180-$450 | 3-7 days | Single issue, one visit |
| Standard project | $1,400-$9,000 | 2-4 weeks | Renovations, multi-day builds |
| Full scope build | $9,000+ | 6-12 weeks | Additions, gut jobs, phased work |
If you're weighing us against another quote, our guide on questions worth asking any contractor covers the questions most people forget to ask.
What does the build phase actually look like?
Once you sign, we lock a start date and a finish window. You get a single point of contact, usually the lead on your job, and a daily end-of-day text with photos of what got done. That's the part clients tell us they value most, and it costs us nothing extra to do.
Our on-site process follows seven repeatable steps:
1. We tape off and protect adjacent surfaces before any tool comes out of the van.
2. We stage materials in one location to keep your space walkable.
3. We photograph pre-existing conditions in case anything gets disputed later.
4. We work in the sequence the quote specified, and flag any change orders in writing before proceeding.
5. We clean the site at the end of every workday, not just at project close.
6. We test every fixture, fitting, or finish before calling a stage complete.
7. We invite you for a mid-project walkthrough on jobs running longer than ten days.
Change orders are where projects go sideways. Industry data from consumer protection bodies shows verbal change agreements are the leading cause of contractor disputes [2]. We won't do them. If the scope shifts, you'll get a written addendum with the new price and new end date before we lift another tool.
How do we finish and hand over?
The final walkthrough is a checklist, not a formality. We walk every room, test every function, and give you the punch list to mark anything you want touched up. Nothing gets invoiced as final until you've signed it off.
You also get a folder with warranty terms, receipts for any specialty materials, and photos from key stages. If something goes wrong six months later, we're not starting from memory. More about how we work is on our story page, and new clients can start with our welcome guide.
Book the call. That's the whole ask.
FAQ
How quickly can Dan Rock start a new project?
Small call-out repairs usually start within a week. Standard projects book two to four weeks out, and full builds three to six weeks depending on the season. Spring and early autumn are our busiest windows, so if you're planning a larger job, calling two months ahead gives you the widest choice of start dates.
Do you charge for the initial site visit?
No. The phone consult and first site visit are free within our standard service area. We only charge for travel if you're more than 40 km from our base, and we'll tell you that on the first call before booking anything. The written quote you receive afterward is also free and valid for 30 days.
What happens if the price changes mid-project?
It doesn't, unless the scope changes. If we uncover something the quote couldn't anticipate, like hidden damage, we stop, document it with photos, and give you a written change order with the new cost. You decide whether to proceed. We never continue work under a verbal agreement.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We carry public liability insurance and full workers' compensation cover, and all trade-specific work is done by licensed subcontractors we've worked with for years. We'll send copies of current certificates with your quote if you'd like to verify before signing.