Is Your Contractor Quote Fair?
Enter your project details below to get a local cost range. Use it as a baseline before you negotiate — or to spot a quote that's way off.
Project type
How to Read Your Results
Within range: A quote that falls between the low and high estimate is reasonable. Price within the range is normal variation for contractor experience, materials, and scheduling.
Above the high: Ask the contractor to itemize the bid. There may be legitimate site conditions driving the cost up — or they may be padding. Either way, you deserve an explanation.
Below the low: A quote significantly under our low estimate is a red flag. Find out what they're leaving out — permits, materials quality, disposal, or warranty.
Contractor Red Flags
- Asks for more than 30% upfront
- Wants you to pull the permits in your name
- No physical address or license number
- Quote is dramatically lower than all others
- Pressures you to sign immediately
- No written contract or itemized bid
Getting the Best Price
Get 3 quotes minimum
One quote is just a number. Three quotes give you a range — the highest and lowest help you spot outliers.
Ask for itemized bids
A lump sum tells you nothing. Labor, materials, and disposal should be broken out so you can compare apples to apples.
Budget 10–20% contingency
Surprises happen once walls open up. Contractors who pad the quote for unknowns are being honest, not greedy.
Verify license and insurance
Ask for the license number and verify it with your state's contractor licensing board. Insurance certificates should name you.