Is my contractor quote too high?
Contractor quotes are hard to compare because every one is scoped differently. Before you sign, it helps to separate materials from labour, check what's actually included, and understand which line items usually carry the biggest markup.
Check your documentWhat to look at first
Labour that isn't broken out
A single lump-sum 'installation' line makes it impossible to tell whether you're paying for two days or six. Ask for hours and crew size.
Materials priced well above retail
A modest markup on materials is normal. A multiple of retail on identifiable, model-numbered items is worth questioning.
Vague allowances
Allowances for tile, fixtures or finishes hide future change orders. Get the allowance amount in writing per item.
Permits, disposal and 'misc'
These are legitimate costs, but percentage-based miscellaneous fees on top of an already-marked-up total add up quickly.
Questions worth asking
- Can you break this into materials and labour, with hours and crew size?
- What exact model numbers are included, and can I see the spec sheets?
- What is explicitly excluded from this price?
- Is the permit fee at cost, or marked up?
- What triggers a change order, and how is it priced?
- What is the warranty on labour, separate from the manufacturer warranty?
Common questions
How many quotes should I get?
Three is the usual advice, and it works because it reveals the shape of the market rather than one company's pricing. Make sure all three are quoting the same scope, otherwise you're comparing different jobs.
Is the cheapest quote the right one?
Often not. An unusually low quote can mean missing scope, unlicensed work or a plan to make it up in change orders. Understanding why a price is low matters as much as knowing it's low.
Can What's Normal? tell me exactly what I should pay?
No. We give a data-informed estimate of whether the pricing looks typical, based on the information provided, and we explain the factors considered. Local labour rates and scope vary too much for a definitive number.
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Check it nowEducational estimates only — not professional advice. See our disclaimer.