My rule now: if something in the bid looks vague (“standard flashing” or “typical fasteners”), I ask for specifics. If they can’t explain it in plain English, I get suspicious.
I’m right there with you. The first time I saw “standard” on a quote, I figured, sure, that’s fine... then found out later it meant the bare minimum code requirement, not necessarily what would hold up best in our weather. Learned to push for brand names and model numbers—makes it way easier to compare apples to apples. Also agree on warranties—fine print is where they get you. Sometimes the “lifetime” coverage is just a marketing trick with a ton of loopholes.
I get wanting specifics, but sometimes “standard” isn’t all bad—especially with green roofs or alternative systems. Some specs are there for a reason, and over-specifying can drive up costs fast. I’ve actually had better results working with installers who explain why they use certain materials instead of just listing brand names. It’s more about the system as a whole than any one product, at least in my experience.
I totally get what you mean about the system mattering more than just picking a name-brand product. I’ve run into that with my own projects—sometimes I’ll ask for a specific material because I read about it online, but then the installer will walk me through why it might not be the best fit for my roof or climate. It’s actually kind of reassuring when they can explain the reasoning instead of just pushing a certain brand.
But I do wonder, where’s the line between “standard” and “cutting corners”? Like, when I was looking at green roof options, some bids came in way lower than others, and I couldn’t always tell if they were just using more generic materials or if they were skipping steps altogether. I know cost is a big deal, but I’d rather pay a little more upfront than deal with leaks or plant failures down the road.
Has anyone had a situation where going with a more basic spec actually caused problems later? Or maybe the opposite—where you went with a pricier, more detailed spec and felt like it wasn’t worth the extra money? I’m still figuring out how much to trust “standard” recommendations versus pushing for upgrades. Sometimes I feel like I’m just guessing and hoping for the best.
Also, does anyone have tips for spotting when a bid is too low to be realistic? I’ve heard stories about contractors underbidding and then cutting corners or hitting you with change orders once the job starts. Is there something specific you look for in the specs or contract to avoid that? I’d love to hear what’s worked (or not worked) for other folks.
I’ve definitely had that “is this too cheap?” moment with bids. One time I went with a lower-priced option for a deck, thinking it was just a good deal, but they left out flashing and the boards warped after one winter. Now I always ask for a line-by-line breakdown—if something’s missing (like waterproofing layers or drainage), that’s a red flag. I also check if warranties are included or if they’re charging extra for stuff that should be standard. Sometimes “standard” is fine, but only if you know what’s actually included.
That’s a classic pitfall—folks see a low number and think they’re getting a steal, but there’s always a reason it’s that cheap. I’ve seen it with roofs too: someone goes for the bargain bid, then calls me a year later because the “deal” didn’t include ice and water shield or proper ventilation. Suddenly, they’re dealing with leaks or mold, and the savings are gone.
What I do now is walk through the scope with clients line by line. If something’s vague—like “install underlayment”—I ask which type, how many layers, and if it’s going up valleys and eaves. Same with flashing: is it step flashing or just caulk? Those details matter more than most folks realize.
One thing I’m curious about—has anyone ever pushed back on a contractor about missing items and had them actually revise their bid to include everything? Or do they just try to upsell after the fact? Sometimes I wonder if some of these guys even expect you to catch the omissions...
