I actually have. I'm completly remodeling a rental property after a nightmare tenant. I'm totally familiar with what you're talking about and am not disagreeing

I actually have. I'm completly remodeling a rental property after a nightmare tenant. I'm totally familiar with what you're talking about and am not disagreeing, but my point was more that they still give you an estimate. I've never had a contractor or someone he's hired not provide an estimate. I know their number is going to be off, so personally, I mentally double any number they tell me, but having that starting point is important. If they tell me it's going to be $6k for a new kitchen, I can budget $12k. If they just went ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ then I don't even have a starting point which is way less helpful.