Honestly, I see both sides here. As someone who’s poked around more than a few job sites, I get why homeowners want price certainty, but I’ve also seen contractors burned by sudden hikes. One thing that gets overlooked is storage—ordering materials early sounds good, but where do you keep a pallet of shingles or a stack of OSB for weeks? I’ve seen jobs go sideways because materials warped or got stolen sitting on-site too long.
I’m curious how folks handle it when a project drags out—say, permits get delayed or weather pushes things back. Does the contractor eat the extra cost, or do they pass it on? Personally, I’d rather see a clear escalation clause in the contract. Something like, “If materials go up more than X% after Y days, here’s what happens.” That way, everyone knows the risks upfront.
Has anyone actually had a contractor honor an old quote even when prices spiked? Or is that just wishful thinking these days?
Personally, I’d rather see a clear escalation clause in the contract. Something like, “If materials go up more than X% after Y days, here’s what happens.” That way, everyone knows the risks upfront.
Couldn’t agree more with this. I’ve been burned by “ballpark” quotes that magically ballooned halfway through because of “market changes.” At this point, if the contract doesn’t spell out what happens with price hikes, I walk. I get that contractors can’t predict the future, but homeowners shouldn’t be left holding the bag every time there’s a hiccup with permits or weather.
Storage is a real issue too—had a buddy who lost half his siding to theft while waiting for an inspector. Not fun. Honestly, I’ve only had one contractor stick to their original number when prices jumped, and that was a small job. Most just pass it along or try to split the difference. It’s not wishful thinking, but it’s rare these days. If both sides are honest about risks and put it in writing, at least you know what you’re signing up for. Otherwise, you’re just rolling the dice.
If both sides are honest about risks and put it in writing, at least you know what you’re signing up for. Otherwise, you’re just rolling the dice.
That’s exactly it. I’ve had contractors try to guilt me into “sharing” surprise costs, but why should homeowners carry all the risk? If prices are volatile, fine—just spell out how it’ll work. I’d rather have a contract with clear numbers (even if it’s a bit higher) than get blindsided halfway through.
I’d rather have a contract with clear numbers (even if it’s a bit higher) than get blindsided halfway through.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I always wonder, if we agree to a price, shouldn’t that be the price unless something major changes? I mean, isn’t that the whole point of a contract? I’ve had bids go up “because of materials” but then found out prices hadn’t really changed much. Is it normal for homeowners to push back on this, or do most people just eat the extra cost?
I’ve definitely pushed back when a contractor tried to bump up the price mid-job. One time, the guy said lumber costs had “skyrocketed,” but I’d literally just bought some for my own project and knew he was stretching it. I think a lot of folks just pay it because they don’t want the hassle, but if it’s not in the contract and there’s no real change, I’ll call it out. It’s awkward, but I’d rather have that than feel ripped off.
