Renovation Guides
Why do contractor quotes differ so much?
Why remodeling quotes for the same Florida project can differ by thousands, what the cheapest bid often leaves out, and how to compare quotes line by line.
Renovation Guides
Do You Really Need Three Quotes?
Whether you need three contractor quotes for a Florida remodel, when one or two are enough, and how to make every quote count, especially after a storm.
Last updated: 1 min readBy the Florida Renovation Guide editorial teamTopic: Permits & Contractor Guides
The short answer
- Three quotes is a rule of thumb, not a rule. Two or three detailed, comparable quotes usually tell you what a project should cost.
- For small or urgent jobs, one quote from a contractor you've checked can be enough.
- Comparable quotes matter more than the number of quotes. Give everyone the same scope.
- After hurricanes, good contractors are booked up. Don't let a quote count delay urgent repairs, and don't let urgency skip the license check.
On this page
"Get three quotes" is the most common advice in home improvement. It's a useful habit, but the point isn't the number. It's understanding what a fair price looks like for your project and choosing a contractor you trust.
When three quotes make sense
- Large projects such as kitchens, additions, reroofs and whole-home impact windows
- Projects where materials and methods vary a lot between contractors
- When you have time and the market isn't overloaded
When fewer is fine
- Small jobs, where contractors may not want to spend time quoting against several others
- Urgent repairs, such as a leaking roof after a storm, where waiting causes more damage
- Repeat work with a contractor whose work you know
- Specialty work with few qualified local contractors
Even with one quote, check the license and insurance and read the contract.
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Make every quote count
- Write down the scope before you call anyone: measurements, photos, product preferences and must-haves.
- Give every contractor the same information, so their quotes are comparable.
- Ask for itemized quotes with products, quantities, permits, disposal and exclusions.
- Compare line by line, not just the totals; see why contractor quotes differ.
- Check the license and insurance of every contractor you consider; see how to check a contractor.
Respect contractors' time
Quoting takes contractors hours of unpaid work, especially for design-heavy projects. Be clear about your budget range and timeline, and let contractors know if you've chosen someone else. Some charge for detailed design work, which is reasonable for complex projects.
After a storm
After a hurricane, demand spikes and good contractors may not have time to quote. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, then get permanent repair quotes as soon as you can. Be wary of contractors who show up uninvited and push you to sign immediately; see avoiding storm repair scams. For the full process, read how to choose a contractor in Florida.
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