I'm getting ready to reshingled the front of my house and will be requesting estimates from various contractors. Should I let them know what other contractors have quoted me? I'm curious whether sharing this info could get me a better deal or if it might backfire.
3 Answers
I don't share exact totals, but I make sure to compare what each quote includes. This way, I point out the missing details without revealing the numbers. It helps to keep people on their toes and focused on service quality.
Great approach! Details often matter more than just the price.
No way! You don’t want to start a bidding war that might make decent contractors walk away. Letting them know you’re comparing quotes is fine, but keep the prices under wraps. Focus on finding someone reputable rather than just the cheapest option.
And remember, you often get what you pay for in home repairs.
Exactly! The right contractor will be worth a little extra.
It's usually best to keep your previous estimates to yourself. If you tell contractors how much the other guys are charging, they'll just match those prices, and you won't get a fair, detailed assessment of what you’re really paying for. Once you've gathered a few estimates, you'll have a good idea of the range of prices, and then you can negotiate more effectively. Just remember, the lowest bid may not always mean the best quality!
Totally agree! You might end up with worse quality work if you push too hard for a lower price.
Exactly! It's all about balancing quality and cost.
For sure! Contracts should detail what you’re getting since that's what really counts.