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.
Same here. If the quote’s in writing, I expect it to stick unless something major changes. I had a plumber try to tack on “unexpected labor” after the fact—no way. If it’s not in the contract, I’m not paying extra. It’s uncomfortable, but I’d rather deal with that than just hand over more money for nothing.
I’ve run into this a few times on the job. Once, I had a contractor try to add a “travel fee” after we’d already agreed on everything in writing—never mentioned it before, and the job was right in town. I pushed back and they dropped it, but it was awkward. Still, I’d rather have that uncomfortable conversation than just eat the extra cost.
I get that sometimes things genuinely change—like if they open up a wall and find something nobody could’ve predicted. But if it’s just tacking on vague “labor” or “fees” after the fact, that’s not cool. Having everything spelled out in the contract protects everyone. If there’s a real reason for a price change, it should be discussed before the work gets done, not after.
Honestly, I think a lot of people just hope you won’t notice or will feel too uncomfortable to argue. It’s not fun, but standing your ground is usually worth it in the end.
- Totally agree about spelling everything out up front. I’ve had a plumber try to charge a “disposal fee” for old pipes after the fact—never mentioned in the quote, and it was just a couple of rusty pieces.
- If something legit changes, like finding rot or bad wiring, I get it. But random fees? Nah.
- I usually ask how long their quote is good for before signing. Most seem to say 30 days, but if they’re wishy-washy, that’s a red flag for me.
- It’s awkward pushing back, but honestly, I’d rather deal with that than feel ripped off later.
- Sometimes I wonder if they just hope you won’t notice those little add-ons...
- Had a similar experience—HVAC guy tried to tack on a “shop supplies” fee. What, for the rag he wiped his hands with?
- I always ask for itemized quotes and get it in writing. If they can’t commit to 30 days, I start looking elsewhere.
- Sometimes those little fees sneak in... I think some folks hope you’re too distracted by the big numbers to notice.
- Not a fan of surprises unless it’s free dessert, honestly.
Thirty days is pretty standard in my experience, especially for storm damage work or anything where materials can fluctuate. If a contractor won’t put a quote in writing for at least that long, I’d be wary. I’ve seen some try to sneak in “market adjustment” fees after the fact, blaming supply chain issues or whatever’s in the news that week. Sometimes it’s legit, but more often it’s just padding.
I get why some folks want shorter windows—prices on shingles and lumber have been all over the place the last couple years. But if they’re not willing to lock in for 30 days, it usually means they’re either not confident in their numbers or they’re hoping you’ll just accept whatever new price they throw at you when it’s time to sign.
Had a client last spring who got a quote for a roof replacement, waited a week, then suddenly the price jumped by $1,200 for “fuel surcharges.” No explanation, just a new line item. That’s the kind of thing that makes people lose trust in the whole process.
If you’re dealing with insurance claims, it gets even trickier. Sometimes adjusters drag their feet and by the time you get approval, the quote’s expired. I always tell people to get everything in writing, including how long the quote is good for and what happens if prices change before work starts. If a contractor won’t spell that out, I move on.
Bottom line: 30 days is fair for both sides. Anything less, and you’re probably looking at headaches down the road. And yeah, those “shop supplies” fees drive me nuts too... unless they’re bringing me lunch, I’m not paying extra for paper towels.