I actually had a roofer stick to his original quote after a hailstorm last year, but only because we got everything in writing and signed fast. He mentioned their suppliers sometimes bump prices up right after storms, so I guess it’s a bit of a gamble. Not sure if that’s typical, but paperwork seemed to help in my case.
- Signed paperwork = magic shield, apparently. I learned that the hard way when my “quote” for a fence turned into a “suggestion” after lumber prices went nuts.
- I guess it’s like locking in a flight price before the airline realizes everyone wants to go to Florida for spring break.
- My neighbor did the handshake deal with his roofer after a storm, and by the time they actually started, the price had “mysteriously” gone up $2k. He was not amused.
- I’m starting to think if it’s not on paper, it’s just a rumor.
- But honestly, I get why roofers want to cover themselves—supplies are all over the place lately. Still, if I sign something, I expect it to stick unless the world literally ends (or, you know, another hailstorm hits).
- I’m in Texas and the weather here is basically chaos, so I don’t blame anyone for being nervous about quotes.
- At this point, if someone offers me a price and says “good for 30 days,” I’m signing faster than my dog chases squirrels.
- But yeah, paperwork seems to be the only way to avoid the “oops, prices changed” dance.
- Anyone else feel like homeownership is just a series of expensive surprises? Or is that just me...
I’m starting to think if it’s not on paper, it’s just a rumor.
Couldn’t agree more—verbal agreements with contractors are basically urban legends at this point. I usually insist on a written quote with a clear “valid until” date, 30 days being pretty standard. Anything longer and you’re basically betting against the price of plywood—or, in Texas, the weather not going feral again.
Had to laugh at the “urban legends” comment—been there, done that, and got burned. I learned the hard way after trusting a “handshake agreement” for my garage roof a few years back. The guy swore up and down he’d honor the price he gave me in May... but by August, he acted like we’d never even spoken. Lumber prices had jumped, and suddenly his memory was fuzzy. Lesson learned: if it’s not in writing, it’s just a nice story you tell yourself while staring at a leaky ceiling.
I get what you’re saying about the 30-day window. Around here (central Oklahoma), that’s about all anyone will guarantee—and honestly, I don’t blame them. Between hail, tornadoes, and whatever else Mother Nature throws our way, prices can swing fast. But sometimes I do wish contractors would give a little wiggle room if delays are on their end, not mine. Last summer I had a quote expire because they couldn’t fit me in before the “valid until” date... then wanted me to sign a new one for 12% more. Not exactly neighborly.
Anything longer and you’re basically betting against the price of plywood—or, in Texas, the weather not going feral again.
Too real. I watched OSB go from $18 to $60 a sheet during that big spike—felt like I was watching gas prices during a hurricane. I don’t expect anyone to eat those costs, but it does make planning tough when you’re trying to budget out a project over a few months.
One thing I started doing is asking for a breakdown of materials vs labor on quotes. That way if materials skyrocket, at least I know what part is changing (and I can maybe source some stuff myself). Not every contractor loves that idea, but most reasonable folks get it.
Bottom line, written quotes with clear expiration dates are just self-defense these days. Anyone who tries to wiggle out of that or won’t put it in writing... well, I’d rather take my chances patching things myself with a YouTube video than roll those dice again.
Yeah, I hear you on the “neighborly” part—had a similar thing happen when my siding job got bumped back because of their crew, not me. By the time they were ready, the quote had “expired” and suddenly it was a couple grand more. I get that prices move, but if the delay’s on their end, seems fair to split the difference or at least talk it through. I’ve started asking for those breakdowns too, and if someone gets cagey about it, that’s usually my cue to keep looking. At this point, if it’s not in writing, it’s just wishful thinking...
