I get that prices are all over the place right now, but honestly, I feel like some of these quote windows are getting a little too short. I mean, I get that materials are going up, but three weeks and it jumps by $400? That feels a bit much. When I was shopping around for gutters last month, one company still honored their quote for 30 days, while another gave me just 7 days. It makes it tough to compare or plan anything. Maybe there’s a middle ground—like, at least give folks a heads up if prices are about to change? Otherwise, it just feels like a moving target.
Maybe there’s a middle ground—like, at least give folks a heads up if prices are about to change? Otherwise, it just feels like a moving target.
I hear you. I was helping a client compare roof quotes last month and one company’s price jumped $600 in two weeks—no warning, just “new price, take it or leave it.” It’s tough to plan when things change that fast. I get that suppliers are scrambling too, but a little notice would go a long way. The 30-day window used to be standard, and honestly, it just felt more fair.
- Totally agree about the 30-day window. Used to be the norm, and it gave everyone a fair shot at budgeting.
- Lately, I’ve seen quotes only good for 7 days, sometimes even less. Makes it hard for clients to compare or get approvals.
- From my side, when I’m writing up inspection reports, I always warn folks that repair costs can shift fast—especially on materials like plywood or shingles. Supply chain hiccups are still hitting hard in some areas.
- One thing I’ve noticed: some contractors will honor the original quote if you sign a contract within the window, even if work starts later. Others won’t budge at all.
- It’d be nice if there was a standard again, but with prices jumping all over, I get why some companies are nervous. Still, a heads-up or even a quick email would make a big difference.
- Had a client last fall who lost out on a decent price because they waited three days past the quote’s expiration. Not fun explaining that one.
- Maybe the answer is just clearer communication—put the expiration date in bold, and if things change, let people know ASAP. At least then you’re not blindsided.
- The 30-day quote window used to make things so much easier for everyone, that’s for sure. Gave time to get a couple bids, check with the bank, run it by the spouse, whatever needed doing.
- Now I’m seeing 7-10 day windows too, sometimes even less if there’s a big storm or something shakes up prices. It’s stressful trying to make a decision that fast, especially on bigger jobs.
- I get why contractors are cautious—lumber and shingle prices in my area jumped overnight a few times in the last couple years. Had a friend lock in a siding quote just in time, then the supplier hiked prices a week later. Contractor honored the old price, but said he barely broke even.
- On the flip side, I’ve also had a guy try to re-negotiate after I’d already signed within the window. That was a headache. Ended up switching companies because it felt shady.
- I do think bold expiration dates and a quick heads-up if costs change would help a ton. Not everyone reads the fine print, especially when you’re juggling work, kids, and home repairs.
- Honestly, I’d rather have a shorter quote window with clear communication than a longer one that gets yanked out from under me last minute.
- For what it’s worth, I always ask upfront now—“If I sign before the deadline, will you guarantee the price even if you can’t start right away?” Most are cool about it, but I’ve learned not to assume.
- In this market, flexibility on both sides seems key. Contractors don’t want to lose money, homeowners don’t want surprise costs. A little transparency goes a long way.
- Sounds like you’re already doing the right thing by warning clients about shifting costs. That honesty is huge—wish more folks did it.
I’ve run into this too—got a quote for a fence last spring and by the time I got the bank stuff sorted, the price had jumped $600. The contractor said his supplier changed rates overnight. I get that things move fast, but it’s tough to plan when you barely have a week. Is there a standard way folks are handling deposits or contracts to lock in prices, even if the work can’t start right away? I’m always worried about getting burned if I commit too soon.
