How to tell if a contractor's quote is fair
Most homeowners get one quote, feel a jolt at the number, and have no way to know whether it's reasonable. You don't need to be a contractor to check it. You need three things: a typical price range, a list of what a good quote includes, and the right questions.
1. Know the typical range first
Before you compare quotes, find out what the job usually costs where you live. A roof, an AC unit, or a fence can vary 20 to 40 percent by region, and size and materials matter even more. A 2,000-square-foot asphalt roof and a 3,000-square-foot metal roof are not the same job.
If a quote lands well above the typical high end, ask what's driving the price. If it lands far below the low end, be just as careful: something may be left out that you'll pay for later.
2. Check that it's itemized
A good quote lists materials and labor separately, plus any extras like permits and disposal. One lump-sum number makes it impossible to compare contractors fairly or to see where the money goes.
3. Look for the things that cost you later
- Permits: who pulls them, and is the fee included?
- Cleanup and disposal: haul-away of old materials can run hundreds of dollars.
- Warranty: both the manufacturer's warranty and the contractor's warranty on labor.
- Brand and model: the exact product, so two quotes are actually comparable.
- Timeline: when work starts and roughly how long it takes.
4. Watch the payment terms
A deposit is normal. A large cash deposit before any work starts is a warning sign, especially more than about a third of the total. Some states limit how much a contractor can ask for up front. The balance should be due when the job is done and you're satisfied.
5. Verify license and insurance
Ask for the contractor's license number and look it up with your state. Ask for a certificate of insurance before work starts. A reputable contractor will send both without hesitation.
6. Get at least three quotes
Three written quotes for the same scope tell you more than any single price check. If one is far off from the other two, you'll know which questions to ask.
The fast way to check
Arun built Fair Quote's quote checker to do all of this in about 30 seconds. Snap a photo of the quote, and it reads the total, compares it to the typical range for your ZIP code, checks for what's missing, and writes the questions to ask. It runs in your browser, so the quote is never uploaded.
Prices vary with materials, season and local labor costs. Use typical ranges as a starting point, and always get written quotes before work begins.