I totally get the headaches around this. When I was getting quotes for my siding, one contractor tried to hold me to a price from three months earlier, even though materials had jumped. I didn’t love the short window, but at least I knew what to expect. It’s a little nerve-wracking, though, when you’re trying to line up financing and the clock’s ticking. I wish there was a more standard approach, honestly.
When I was getting quotes for my siding, one contractor tried to hold me to a price from three months earlier, even though materials had jumped. I didn’t love the short window, but at least I kne...
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually think the short window on quotes is fair, especially these days. Materials can spike overnight—just last month, OSB went up 20% in a week. If a contractor locks in a price for too long, they’re gambling with their own margins. I know it’s tough when you’re juggling financing, but from the other side, holding a quote for three months could mean losing money on the job. Maybe a middle ground is a clause that adjusts for material costs if there’s a big jump? Not perfect, but it keeps things transparent.
- I just went through this with my windows. The quote was only good for 30 days, which I thought was short, but the guy explained how prices can change fast.
- I get wanting more time to think, but I’d rather have an honest price than get hit with a “surprise” increase later.
- Maybe not three months, but 30-45 days seems reasonable.
- If you need longer, I’d ask if they can at least lock in labor and just adjust for materials if things go wild.
- It’s kind of stressful, but I guess that’s just how things are right now...
- I get the stress, but honestly, 30 days feels fair with how fast prices jump lately.
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“I’d rather have an honest price than get hit with a ‘surprise’ increase later.”
- In my experience, locking in labor is tricky—contractors have to pay their crews no matter what, and if you wait too long, schedules fill up.
- I’ve had quotes expire and then the job got delayed months. Sometimes it’s better to just lock it in and get on the calendar.
- If you really need more time, maybe see if they’ll split the difference—hold the price for 45 days, but after that, you pay any material increases.
I get why folks like a short quote window, but honestly, sometimes 30 days just isn’t enough—especially for bigger jobs or when you’re waiting on other inspections or permits. I’ve seen homeowners rush decisions just to beat the clock and end up regretting it later. Wouldn’t hurt if contractors offered a tiered system: maybe a base price for 30 days, then a small fee to extend another 30. That way, you’re not forced into a snap decision, but the contractor isn’t left hanging either. Just my two cents...
