My husband and I aren't handy in the least, and therefore little maintenance jobs around the house often go undone for a while until they've piled up. I figured that it was a good time to call the local Handyman Connection number - we've used them before, and their work has been okay - not stellar, but not terrible, either. And the price is usually not too bad.
The guy came out last Thursday to give us an estimate. We were asking for the following things to be replaced: two screens on windows, two outside vents, and a drop-ceiling tile in the rec room. Also, some painting touch-ups. We'd supply the paint, they'd buy all other materials and charge us accordingly.
The estimate was
$1,050.00.

Not only did that seem an outrageous amount, but he didn't break it down by item, either - just "Yup, for all that, it'll cost $1,050.00." I e-mailed the company afterwards and asked for an itemized estimate. They never got back to me.
We've now hired a guy through Kijiji who has a good reputation. His estimate is for $100 plus materials. Goodbye, Handyman Connection!