Should i get multiple bids
Yes, most homeowners should get multiple bids before choosing a general contractor for a new build, addition, structural project, or major renovation. More than one bid helps you compare scope, price, communication, and licensing so you can make a safer, better-informed choice.
Short answer
In most cases, yes. Getting multiple bids is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself before signing a construction contract. It gives you a better sense of the real market range for your project and helps you spot big differences in scope, materials, timelines, and contractor professionalism.
For many homeowners, three bids is a practical goal. Two can still leave you guessing. Five or six can become overwhelming if every contractor is pricing a different version of the job. The goal is not to collect the biggest pile of estimates. The goal is to compare apples to apples and choose a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor you trust.
What it means for you
A bid is not just a price. It is a contractor's understanding of your project. When you get multiple bids, you learn how different contractors think about the same job. One may include demolition and cleanup. Another may not. One may assume standard materials. Another may price upgraded finishes. One may include permit coordination. Another may leave that to you.
That is why a low number is not always a better number. If one bid comes in far below the others, it may be missing work, using lower-grade materials, relying on allowances that are too small, or assuming future change orders. A higher bid is not automatically better either. You want to understand what is included, what is excluded, and what could change.
Multiple bids also help you judge communication. Do they answer questions clearly? Do they explain permit needs without making promises they cannot control? Do they show proof of license, bond, and insurance when asked? Do they put details in writing? These signs matter as much as the number at the bottom of the page.
- You get a realistic price range instead of relying on one opinion.
- You can compare scope, materials, allowances, and exclusions.
- You can see who communicates clearly and respects your time.
- You are more likely to catch missing items before signing.
- You have a better chance of choosing a contractor based on value, not just price.
How many bids should you get
For most major home projects, aim for about three bids. That is usually enough to spot patterns without turning the process into a second job. If your project is highly specialized, such as major structural work, hillside construction, a large custom home, or a complex addition, you may need more time to find the right contractor pool, but the same idea applies: compare qualified professionals, not just numbers.
If you already have a contractor you strongly prefer because of a past positive experience, it can still be smart to get one or two additional bids. This does not mean you are being disloyal. It means you are checking scope, pricing, and assumptions. Good contractors usually understand that homeowners want to compare options on large projects.
If your project is very small, urgent, or insurance-driven, multiple bids may be harder to collect. Even then, try to compare at least some basics in writing. Verify the contractor's current license, bond, and insurance, and make sure the contract clearly states the work to be done.
How it works in practice
The quality of your bids depends on the quality of the information you share. If each contractor hears a different version of the job, the estimates will vary for reasons that have nothing to do with real cost. Before asking for bids, write down the same project description for everyone. Include the rooms involved, rough dimensions if you know them, your goals, preferred materials if any, and any must-haves such as moving walls, adding a bathroom, or upgrading structure.
Then ask each contractor to price the same general scope. You can also ask for alternates if you want to compare options, such as basic versus premium finishes, or one layout versus another. The key is consistency. If one contractor is pricing a full-service renovation and another is pricing labor only, those numbers are not meaningfully comparable.
- Give each contractor the same written project summary.
- Ask what is included and excluded in the bid.
- Request details on materials, allowances, and major assumptions.
- Ask who handles permits, scheduling, and subcontractors.
- Confirm license, bond, and insurance before moving forward.
- Read the proposed payment schedule carefully before signing anything.
It also helps to ask one simple question: 'What could make this price change?' Honest answers here can tell you a lot. Common reasons include hidden damage behind walls, permit requirements, foundation issues, utility upgrades, code-related corrections, owner-requested changes, and material price swings. A good contractor should explain that bids are estimates until the final scope and contract are settled.
What to watch for
The biggest mistake homeowners make is comparing only the total price. A construction bid can look complete and still leave out expensive parts of the job. Watch for vague wording like 'as needed' or 'owner to provide' without clear detail. Watch for tiny allowances that seem too low for your actual finish level. Watch for missing line items on demolition, debris removal, temporary protection, permits, engineering coordination, or final inspections where those items may matter.
Be careful with pressure tactics. If someone pushes you to sign immediately, refuses to provide proof of license, bond, or insurance, or avoids putting scope in writing, slow down. The right contractor for a major project should be willing to explain the proposal and answer reasonable questions.
Another red flag is a very large upfront payment request. Payment terms vary by state and project type, but in general, you should understand exactly what each payment covers and when it is due. Never assume a verbal promise will protect you later. Get the scope, payment schedule, change-order process, and major responsibilities in writing.
- A bid that is dramatically lower than the others without a clear reason.
- No proof of current license, bond, or insurance.
- A vague scope with missing materials or unclear exclusions.
- Unrealistic promises about price or completion date.
- Pressure to sign fast or pay a large amount up front.
- Refusal to answer questions about permits, subcontractors, or cleanup.
What bids can cost for major projects
Construction costs vary widely by region, project type, property conditions, design choices, and local labor markets. The figures below are broad national estimates, not quotes or guarantees. They are here to help you understand why multiple bids matter so much on large projects.
On projects of this size, even a 10% difference between bids can mean tens of thousands of dollars. But a lower bid can become more expensive later if the scope is incomplete or if key items are hidden in change orders. That is why the safest approach is to compare detailed bids from licensed, bonded, and insured contractors, then evaluate both price and completeness.
When one bid is enough, and when it is not
There are situations where a homeowner may move forward after reviewing just one bid carefully. Maybe you are working with a contractor who has already completed similar work for you successfully. Maybe the project is tied to a larger phased plan and you have already compared pricing on an earlier stage. Maybe a trusted design-build team has provided a highly detailed proposal that you understand well.
Even in those cases, do not skip due diligence. Verify the contractor's current license, bond, and insurance. Review the written scope, allowances, exclusions, payment schedule, and change-order terms. Make sure you know who is responsible for permits and which parts of the work may require separate design, engineering, or specialty professionals.
One bid is usually not enough when the project is large, the scope is still evolving, the contractor is unknown to you, or the proposal is vague. If you feel rushed, confused, or unable to explain what is included, that is a strong sign to slow down and compare more options.
Get matched with contractors you can compare
If you are planning a new build, addition, structural repair, or major renovation, Mainstay Builders can help you start with better candidates. We are a free matching service for U.S. homeowners. We connect you with licensed, bonded, and insured general contractors who fit your project type and location, so you can request bids and compare them yourself.
That can save time, especially if you are not sure where to begin or you want help finding contractors who are comfortable communicating clearly with your household. Many families want straightforward explanations in plain English and respectful communication. That matters. You still choose who to speak with, what to compare, and who to hire.
Use the matching process as the first step, not the last step. Ask questions. Read the bids closely. Verify credentials before signing. And remember that the best choice is usually the contractor who offers the clearest scope, solid qualifications, and a fair price for the work, not simply the cheapest number.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to get multiple bids from contractors?
No. For major home projects, it is normal and expected for homeowners to compare bids. Most professional contractors understand that you need to review price, scope, and fit before making a decision.
How many bids should I get for a major renovation or addition?
Three is a good target for most homeowners. It is usually enough to compare pricing and scope without making the process too confusing. What matters most is that the bids cover the same general work and come from licensed, bonded, and insured contractors.
Should I choose the lowest bid?
Not automatically. A low bid may be a good value, but it can also mean missing scope, weak allowances, or future change orders. Compare what is included, what is excluded, and how clearly the contractor explains the job before deciding.
What if the bids are very far apart?
That usually means the contractors are not pricing the same scope, materials, or assumptions. Ask each one to clarify what is included, excluded, and likely to change. Big gaps are a reason to slow down, not a reason to pick the cheapest number quickly.
Do bids include permits and engineering?
Sometimes, but not always. Some bids include permit coordination or outside professional costs, while others list them separately or exclude them. Always ask for written clarification, because Mainstay Builders cannot determine what a contractor will include in a specific proposal.
Can Mainstay Builders help me compare bids?
We can help you get matched with licensed, bonded, and insured general contractors so you have options to compare. We do not review contracts as a licensed building, legal, or engineering professional, and we do not tell you which bid to choose. The final verification and hiring decision are yours.
What if English is not my first language?
You still deserve clear, respectful communication and time to understand what you are signing. Ask contractors to explain the scope, payment terms, and exclusions in simple language, and do not sign anything you do not understand. Mainstay Builders can help connect families with contractors who are a better fit for their communication needs.