A while back we promised a primer on negotiating with contractors — so here it is. Negotiation isn’t hard to learn, and getting multiple estimates is a great way to practice your new skills while increasing the chances of landing a better deal. Below are straightforward, practical tips we’ve used when dealing with electricians, landscapers, masons, and other tradespeople.
1. There’s safety in numbers. Talk to several contractors. Each estimate teaches you more about the project — the steps involved, the materials required, and realistic timelines. By the time you’re collecting a third or fourth estimate, you’ll understand the scope well enough to ask informed questions and spot unnecessary markups. We often find our third or fourth quotes are a few hundred dollars lower because the contractors know you’ve already done your homework and are comparing options. Mentioning that you’ve collected other estimates can encourage them to move closer to their bottom line.
2. Cheaper isn’t always better. There’s a difference between low cost and good value. Sometimes the cheapest contractor does fine, but sometimes their low price reflects inexperience, cutting corners, or poor materials. If a cheaper bid makes you uneasy, consider the slightly higher estimate from a licensed or more experienced professional. For example, when adding recessed lighting, we chose the least expensive licensed electrician rather than an unlicensed low bidder — it was a risk we weren’t willing to take for a marginal saving.
3. The most expensive option usually isn’t the best either. We’ve never taken the most expensive estimate. Whether it was paving the driveway, redoing the patio, or installing new floors, the priciest bid rarely offered superior workmanship. Often higher estimates come from contractors who charge more because they’ll take longer or add unnecessary features. In one case, the highest quote proposed duplicating our plain square patio with expensive add-ons, while a more affordable stoneworker suggested a curvier, more attractive layout that cost less and looked much better. Multiple estimates also bring creative options you might not have considered — and frequently the most cost-effective solution is also the most thoughtful and up-to-date.
4. It never hurts to ask. We seldom accept the first number a contractor gives. A simple, friendly question — “Can you do any better?” — often yields a discount. Delivered politely, with a smile, this small ask typically results in a modest reduction, often around 10% or so. That little bit of negotiation can add up across larger projects.
5. Beg, barter, and deal. Cash isn’t the only negotiating tool. Think about what you can offer that’s valuable to the contractor: referrals, flexible scheduling, or access to other nearby jobs. When we had several large trees removed, we negotiated a lower price by agreeing to hand out the tree service’s business cards to neighbors who asked about the work. Those referrals generated multiple additional jobs for the contractor, making the discounted rate worthwhile for them.
Ultimately, safety and quality should guide your decisions. Choose someone who will do the work correctly and responsibly. But outside of that, you don’t need to overpay to get a good result. Collect several estimates, ask questions, and don’t be shy about negotiating — especially now, when many contractors are willing to be flexible to win work. Happy haggling!