Had a similar thing happen with a deck job last year. Lumber prices were bouncing all over the place, and the quote I got was only good for 10 days. I thought that was short, but after seeing how fast costs changed, it made sense. Still, it’s tough when you’re trying to plan ahead. I always tell folks—if the quote doesn’t spell out how long it’s valid, ask for it in writing. Saves a lot of back-and-forth if things shift. Sometimes contractors will honor the old price if it’s close, but not always... depends on their supplier relationships too.
- 10 days sounds short at first, but with how fast prices change lately, I get it.
- Last year, I waited a week on a fence quote and the price jumped $400—should’ve locked it in quicker.
- If the quote doesn’t say how long it’s good for, I always ask. Some guys will stretch it if you’re close, but most won’t eat that cost anymore.
- I’d rather have a short window than be surprised by a higher bill later...
- Honestly, if you can’t commit right away, just expect to pay more. That’s been my experience the past couple years.
10 days does feel pretty tight, but with how much shingles and underlayment prices have jumped lately, I get why folks are doing it. I’ve seen bundles go up $5-10 in a single week here (Midwest), which is wild. I do wonder though—has anyone had luck getting a contractor to hold a quote longer if you’re waiting on insurance or something? I had a buddy who needed roof work after a hailstorm, but his adjuster took forever. By the time he got the green light, the quote was old news and he ended up paying more.
Personally, I’d rather have a shorter window and know exactly what I’m in for, instead of getting a “surprise” at the end. But it does make me nervous if I need to shop around or wait for other bids. Maybe it’s just the new normal... Guess my main question is, do most people see 10 days as fair, or is that just what we have to live with now?
Ten days is about what I’m seeing lately too, and honestly, it’s not ideal but I get why contractors are doing it. Last year, I managed a roof replacement on a 12-unit building and the quote only held for a week. We tried negotiating for a longer window since insurance was dragging their feet, but the contractor wouldn’t budge—he showed me his supplier’s price sheet and it was changing almost daily. It’s frustrating, especially if you’re juggling multiple bids or waiting on adjusters. I’d prefer more stability, but with how volatile materials have been, locking in a price even for 10 days feels like the best we can hope for right now.
Ten days seems to be the sweet spot lately, yeah. It’s not ideal for anyone, but I get why contractors are sticking to it. The price sheets from suppliers really do change so fast—one of the foremen I work with showed me a text from his supplier where shingle prices jumped twice in a week. It’s wild.
I hear you on the insurance side dragging things out. When you’re trying to line up multiple bids and the adjuster’s still “reviewing paperwork,” it gets stressful. I wonder if there’s any workaround, like getting a clause in the contract where the price can flex up or down based on material changes if you need more time? Has anyone tried that? Or does it just end up being more hassle than it’s worth?
I’m curious if other trades are seeing similar volatility, or if roofing is just getting hit harder because of all the storms and supply chain weirdness. It feels like every time we go to order something, there’s a new surcharge or “market adjustment” fee tacked on.
Honestly, I’d love more stability too, especially since most clients aren’t thrilled about having to make a big decision in under two weeks. But at least contractors are being upfront about it instead of promising a price they can’t honor later. That’s gotta count for something, right?
Have you noticed if certain materials (like metal vs. asphalt) are more stable with pricing? Around here, metal roofs seem to have steadier quotes, but maybe that’s just our local suppliers.
It’s a headache, but I guess the ten-day window is kind of the best compromise we’ve got for now... unless suppliers calm down, which doesn’t look likely anytime soon.
