You’ve done the hard part. You’ve dreamed up the perfect new kitchen or bathroom. You’ve spent hours on Pinterest, saved countless photos, and now, you’re finally ready to take the next step: you’ve asked a few contractors for quotes.
You get the first one back, and it seems reasonable. Then the second one comes in, and the number is almost twice as high. A third lands in your inbox, and it’s somewhere in the middle. You stare at the different quotes on your screen, a knot forming in your stomach. It feels confusing and frustrating, and you can’t help but ask: why don’t any of these numbers match?
We’ve seen this happen countless times. You’re not alone if you feel confused or even a little suspicious. It’s scary to think you might be taken advantage of, and that fear can stop a great project before it even starts. As a professional renovation company that prides itself on doing things by the book, we want to clear the air. We believe that an informed client is our best client, and we are committed to providing transparent, honest answers to the tough questions. We’re going to walk you through exactly what’s happening behind those numbers. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll understand what a professional quote really includes, what a cheap quote often leaves out, and how to spot the difference between the two so you can make the best decision for your home and your peace of mind.
The True Cost of a “Cheap” Quote: What You Aren’t Paying For (Yet)
Let’s imagine you’re planning a trip. You find a flight that’s super cheap, and you’re thrilled! But then you realize that price doesn’t include your luggage, a seat on the plane, or even a meal. You thought you were getting a deal, but you were really just paying for the bare minimum, and all the things you need to have a successful trip will cost you extra later.
This is often how a cheap renovation quote works. A low number can look very appealing on paper, but it’s often a sign that you’re only paying for the basics. That low price likely doesn’t account for things that are crucial for a successful and stress-free renovation. A contractor who provides a rock-bottom price is not necessarily doing so out of kindness. It’s a business strategy designed to get their foot in the door. The goal is to make the quote look so good that you can’t say no. Once the project begins, the “extras” start to pile up—the very things a professional quote would have included from the beginning. Suddenly, that great deal isn’t so great anymore.
Hidden Costs and Risks of the Cheapest Renovation Bids
A professional quote is built to prevent surprises, while a cheap quote is built to find them. Here are some of the things that can go wrong when you choose a low-ball bid:
1. Lack of Insurance and Worker’s Compensation
This is one of the biggest red flags. A cheap quote often means the contractor doesn’t have the proper insurance (like General Liability) or is not registered with the Worker’s Compensation Board. Imagine a worker slips and falls on your property. If they are an employee of a properly insured company, the company’s worker’s compensation pays for their medical bills and lost wages. If they are not, they can sue you, the homeowner, to recover those costs. In a worst-case scenario, you could lose your home.
Similarly, if an accident happens and your property is damaged—say, a pipe is hit and your new hardwood floors are flooded—the contractor’s General Liability insurance would cover the repairs. If they don’t have it, you will have to pay for the damage yourself. A low quote that doesn’t include these protections is not a deal; it’s a massive risk.
2. Missing Materials and Substandard Quality
A cheap quote might list the bare minimum of materials to keep the cost down. For example, it might say “tiling,” but it won’t specify the type of tile, the brand of grout, or the high-quality adhesive needed to make sure your new floor doesn’t pop up in a year. Or it might list “lumber,” but it won’t specify the quality or grade of wood, which is crucial for the structural integrity of your home.
A contractor working on a tiny profit margin has no choice but to cut corners. They might use lower-grade materials that will fail sooner, or they might rush through the job to get to the next one. The result is a project that looks good on the surface but is not built to last.
3. The Unwritten “Extras”
A cheap quote is often short and vague. It might say “demolition of old kitchen,” but it won’t specify who is responsible for removing the debris and hauling it away. That’s an “extra” you’ll be charged for later. It might say “install new cabinets,” but it won’t mention the cost of all the little things like knobs, pulls, and special hardware. You will be paying for those things later.
A cheap quote is a blank check for the contractor. As soon as a problem comes up—and they always do in a renovation—they can charge you more because it wasn’t in the original quote. That low number you started with is a distant memory.
What a Professional Renovation Quote Actually Includes
So, if a cheap quote is about what’s missing, a professional quote is about what’s included. Think of it as the ultimate road map for your project. A professional quote from a company like Bungay Renos is a detailed, transparent document that gives you peace of mind from day one.
1. Comprehensive Scope of Work
A professional quote is an exact plan. It clearly outlines every single task, from the removal of old fixtures to the final cleaning of the work area. It will specify the type of materials, the brand of paint, and the exact hardware being used. There are no surprises because every single detail is laid out in writing.
2. Transparent Pricing and a “To-the-Dollar” Quote
A professional quote is broken down so you can see exactly where your money is going. There are no mysterious line items. The cost of labor, materials, and subcontractors is clearly itemized. A professional quote is a “to-the-dollar” price—the number you agree on is the number you pay, unless you request a change. This is the difference between a real quote and an estimate.
3. The Cost of Doing Things Right
A professional quote includes the cost of being a professional company. This means it covers:
- Liability Insurance – Protecting your home from any damage during the project.
- WHSCC Coverage – Protecting you from liability if a worker gets hurt on your property.
- Wages for Skilled Labour – We don’t hire just anyone. We hire skilled, certified tradespeople who are paid a fair wage. You are paying for expertise and quality craftsmanship that will last.
- Professional Project Management – A professional company will manage the entire project for you, coordinating plumbers, electricians, and other subcontractors to ensure the project stays on schedule and on budget.
The Investment in Quality: Why a Professional Quote Protects Your Home
At the end of the day, a quote isn’t just a number; it’s a promise. A professional quote is a promise of quality, transparency, and a commitment to doing things right. When you look at a low quote, you should think of the risks you are taking on: the risk of a lawsuit, the risk of a project running over budget and over time, and the risk of poor-quality work that will need to be fixed in a few years.
When you look at a professional quote, you should think of the things you are gaining: a team that stands behind its work, a clear and honest plan, a project that is built to code, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have made a smart, long-term investment in your home.
Comparing Apples to Oranges: How to Properly Evaluate Your Quotes
It’s clear you can’t compare a cheap quote to a professional one, but how do you know what you are looking at? Here are a few simple questions you can ask any contractor to see if you are getting a professional quote:
- Are you insured, and are your employees covered by WHSCC?
- What is your communication process if we encounter an unexpected issue?
- Can you provide a list of your subcontractors?
- What is your warranty on the work after the project is complete?
- Can you provide a few recent client references?
A professional contractor will be happy to answer all of these.
Final Thoughts: The Peace of Mind You Can’t Put a Price On
We know that a home renovation is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. The difference between a high quote and a low quote can seem massive, but what you are really paying for is not just the work itself. You are paying for a professional plan, a reliable team, quality materials, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing the job was done right.
Your home is your sanctuary. It deserves a team that respects it, from the very first quote to the last swing of the hammer.
