Why Lowest Price Doesn’t Always Mean Best Value
When you’re planning a construction project, it’s common advice to “get at least three bids.” It sounds smart but here’s what many homeowners don’t realize: construction bids are rarely apples-to-apples comparisons.
The Illusion of Comparability
Unlike shopping for identical products, construction bids vary widely. How is a contractor supposed to know exactly what you want before even getting to know your project? The answer is, they can’t! It’s impossible. A lower bid may omit critical elements like premium materials, labor costs, or specific allowances that others include. On paper, the cheapest bid may seem ideal, but in reality, it could cost more and fall far short of expectations.
The Hidden Costs Behind the Numbers
Bids often blend certain costs with educated guesses. Contractors anticipating delays, unknowns, or extra permits might price them in. Others may lowball the estimate, planning to offset it later through change orders. A low bid is an indicator it’s missing something important.
It’s About the Team You’re Hiring
A bid isn’t just a price it reflects the contractor’s approach. Are they prioritizing communication, transparency, problem-solving, and professionalism? Also, who are they hiring as trade partners. Quality electricians, plumber, painters and the like don’t work “cheaply”.
Choosing Wisely: What to Ask
Instead of choosing the lowest price, use these questions to compare bids meaningfully:
What exactly is included or excluded?
– Review each bid’s scope: materials, labor, contingencies, supervision.
– Ask the contractors to compare their bids to the others you receive so they can each share what is the same and different about them.
How does each contractor handle change orders?
– Understand their policy and how they communicate surprises.
– Ask what percentage of their total project costs over their last 3 projects were change orders.
What is their reputation with past clients?
– Can they share references and feedback?
How transparent is their process?
– Do they walk you through costs, timeline, and decision points?
– What is their pre-construction planning process? You want to know whaHere’s the updated verbiage for the June post. For some reason Google Drive is being weird and won’t let me edit.
Bottom Line
Believing that more bids equal greater clarity is often a myth. A low bid can be a red flag, not a green light. Focus on who you’re hiring, how they work, and whether their values match your vision. You don’t want a “cheap” project—you want certainty, quality, and peace of mind.
That’s why a reputable builder like Bunn & Sons stands out. With proven pre-construction planning and transparent processes, we deliver predictable results and a stress‑free experience from beginning to end.
Read more about: How to Make Your Home More Efficient
