That 48-hour thing always makes me nervous—like, why the rush unless there’s a legit shortage? When I was tagging along with my uncle on jobs, most homeowners got at least a week to decide, unless we were dealing with hail damage season. Did any of your quotes actually change after waiting on the adjuster, or did they stick to their numbers?
That 48-hour thing always makes me nervous—like, why the rush unless there’s a legit shortage?
I get what you mean about the pressure. When I started getting quotes for my roof (asphalt shingles, midwest, nothing fancy), I was surprised how many companies gave me that “good for 48 hours” line. It almost felt like buying a used car. I kept wondering if it was just a sales tactic or if prices really do jump that fast.
Here’s how I tried to break it down:
1. I asked each contractor if the price was tied to material costs or just their schedule.
2. If they said “materials,” I’d ask if they could show me recent supplier price changes.
3. For scheduling, I’d check their calendar—sometimes they really were booking up fast after a storm.
But honestly, most of them didn’t budge on the 48-hour window, even though there wasn’t any obvious shortage at the time. That made me question whether it was just their way of closing deals quickly.
About your question on quotes changing after waiting for the adjuster: mine actually did change, but only once. The first quote went up by about $600 after the insurance adjuster came out and said there was more damage than expected (hidden wood rot under the shingles). The other two companies stuck to their original numbers, but they hadn’t done as thorough an inspection up front.
Has anyone else had contractors explain *why* their quotes expire so fast? Is it ever actually about materials running out, or is it mostly about locking in customers? And for those who waited longer than 48 hours—did you ever get pushback or see prices go up just because you took your time?
That 48-hour thing always felt a bit arbitrary to me, too. I remember when I was shopping around for a metal roof a couple years back (central Illinois, pretty standard ranch), and I got hit with the same “this price is only good for two days” pitch. I pushed back a little, asking if there was a supply crunch or something, and the guy just kind of shrugged and said, “That’s just how we do it.” Didn’t exactly inspire confidence.
I get that material prices can be volatile—especially after storms or during those weird pandemic shortages—but most of the time, I think it’s just a way to keep you from shopping around. The only time I saw a legit price jump was when a hailstorm hit and suddenly everyone in town needed repairs. Otherwise, the numbers stayed pretty steady, even when I waited a week or two.
Your approach—asking for proof of material cost changes—is smart. If they can’t back it up, it’s probably just sales pressure. I’d say trust your gut. If it feels like a hard sell, there’s usually a reason.
I’ve always wondered if these short quote windows are just a Midwest thing or if it’s everywhere. When I did my siding, the quote was good for 30 days, no questions asked. Is it just roofing that gets the “act now” treatment, or have folks seen this with other projects too?
Short quote windows aren’t just a Midwest thing, though I get why it feels that way—seems like every contractor around here has their own “rules.” Roofing does tend to have tighter quote deadlines, especially after storms or during busy seasons. Materials prices can jump fast, and labor gets booked up, so companies hedge their bets with those 7-14 day windows. Siding and windows usually have a bit more wiggle room, probably because the material costs don’t fluctuate as wildly.
I’ve seen HVAC quotes hold for 60 days, but fencing and concrete work? Sometimes you’re lucky if they’ll honor it for a week. It’s not always about pressuring you to sign, though it can feel that way. Sometimes it’s just them trying not to get burned if prices spike.
If you’re feeling rushed, it’s totally fair to ask for an extension or clarification. Most reputable folks will work with you if you’re upfront about your timeline. Don’t let the “act now” pitch push you into something you’re not ready for.
