You got three bids for your project. Two are in the same ballpark. The third one is way lower.
Tempting, right? Here's what usually happens next.
That low bid wins the job, and then the change orders start. A little extra here, an "unforeseen condition" there. By the time the project's done, you've paid more than the highest bid — and you're furious about it.
The two kinds of low bids
I'm not saying every low bid is a scam. But in this business, there are two kinds of contractors who bid low. The first kind knows exactly what the job will really cost and bids low on purpose, planning to make it up later. That's bait and switch, plain and simple. The second kind just doesn't have the experience to see what's coming, so they miss half the work in the estimate and have to charge you for it as they go.
What a detailed estimate actually means
Here's how I do it instead. When I walk your job, I'm looking for everything — not just the pretty parts. I try to foresee the whole project before I price it: what's behind the walls, what the code requires, what could bite us halfway through. Then I put it all in the estimate, in detail, so the number I give you is the real number.
Could something still come up? Sure. Old houses hide things. But a good contractor tells you about those possibilities up front — "if we open this wall and find rot, here's what it costs" — instead of acting surprised later.
Red flags when you're comparing bids
A one-line estimate. If it just says "bathroom remodel — $18,000" with no breakdown, they haven't thought it through. Or they don't want you to see what's missing.
Allowances that are too low. A $2,000 tile allowance for a whole bathroom isn't generosity — it's a setup for a change order.
Pressure to sign fast. "This price is only good today" usually means they don't want you comparing notes with anyone else.
The bottom line
The cheapest bid that turns into the most expensive job is the oldest trick in the book. A detailed estimate that costs more on paper — and stays there — is the better deal almost every time.
If you're looking for a contractor in the Tampa Bay area, that's what I do. Every job, every time. Family First 365, Certified General Contractor. Call 813-476-1183 for a free estimate.