How Many Contractor Quotes Should You Get?
Why getting several contractor quotes helps, how to compare them apples-to-apples, and what to look at beyond the bottom-line price.
Getting more than one quote is one of the simplest ways to avoid overpaying — but only if you compare them correctly. A pile of bids with different scopes can mislead you more than a single clear one.
Aim for at least three
Three quotes is a common rule of thumb: enough to see the realistic range for your project without dragging the process out. One quote gives you no context; three lets you spot an outlier — high or suspiciously low — quickly.
Compare like for like
- Make sure each bid covers the same scope, materials, and finishes
- Check whether permits, demolition, and cleanup are included in each
- Note differences in warranty length and payment terms
- Watch for a low bid that achieves its price by leaving things out
Look beyond the bottom line
The right choice balances price with scope quality, risk, license and insurance, and how clearly the contractor communicates. The cheapest number is rarely the cheapest project once change orders arrive.
QuoteCheck can compare two quotes side by side — highlighting scope differences, what each one is missing, and which offers more value.
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