Yeah, it’s wild how fast prices can change now. I get that materials are all over the place, but two weeks isn’t exactly a lifetime. I’d expect at least a month for a quote to hold, unless something major happened. Feels like you need a contract just to talk numbers these days...
Feels like you need a contract just to talk numbers these days...
Totally get where you're coming from. The last time I got a quote for recycled metal panels, the price was only good for ten days—felt like I was buying airline tickets, not roofing. What’s worked for me is asking up front how long the quote’s valid and getting it in writing. If you’re dealing with green materials, especially, prices can swing fast since supply isn’t always steady. It’s a pain, but locking in early has saved me from some nasty surprises.
the price was only good for ten days—felt like I was buying airline tickets, not roofing.
Honestly, I think ten days is actually pretty generous with how fast stuff changes now. Last month, I got a quote for asphalt shingles and by the time my boss approved it, the supplier bumped it up 8%. Super frustrating. Is it just me or does it feel like suppliers are using “market volatility” as an excuse to change prices whenever they want? Curious if anyone’s seen longer guarantees lately or is this just the new normal?
Ten days seems about average from what I’ve seen lately. Last year, I got a 30-day quote for metal panels, but that was before prices really started jumping. Now, most places around here (Midwest) are sticking to a week or two. I don’t love it, but I get why they’re doing it with how unpredictable things have gotten. Anyone else notice it’s even worse after storms roll through?
Anyone else notice it’s even worse after storms roll through?
Definitely, right after a storm hits, the quotes seem to shrink even more. I had a fence repair guy tell me his prices were only good for 48 hours after a tornado last spring. It was pretty stressful trying to make a decision that fast. I get why suppliers tighten things up—materials get scarce and demand spikes—but as a first-timer, it’s tough to keep up. Honestly, I wish there was a bit more consistency, but with all the supply chain issues lately, maybe that’s just not realistic.