Should You Discuss Budget with Your Contractor?

This is a very common questions many customers ask themselves when shopping around for reno quote, and something we run into quite often; should you be discussing your budget with a contractor when they come to look at and quote your project? Oftentimes when meeting a customer and going through the quoting process with them, we will ask them if they have a certain budget in mind. We always preface this with “you don’t have to discuss that if you aren’t comfortable”, as we know a lot of people aren’t.

It seems the most common concern with this is people think that if they say their budget and it happens to be higher than what they would have actually been quoted, then the quote will come in higher just because. The answer to this is both yes and no. It really depends on who is in your home looking at your job.

The fact is, like in any industry, there are certainly some bad apples and ones who will take advantage. But most people that we know and work with are honest and hard working. While it may not necessarily matter if you discuss your budget up front or not, it does have some advantages.

If the contractor you are dealing with is reputable and honest, going over your budget with them beforehand will help them to create a more tailored package for your specific needs. For example; when we go to price a bathroom for a customer we will give them our recommendations and ideas and give a sort of “all-in” package with the nicer finishing details. While we always detail these items in our quote and scope of work, some people may not exactly know the difference when comparing quotes. Some of these items can add up and make a difference in pricing. If we have an idea of your budget beforehand, we can help make suggestions on places where you can save or maybe substitute. Then if you want to add items after they can be added on separately. The more we know about your project, what you are looking to spend and what you want the final result to look like, the better we will be able to help you and create a customized experience for you and your family.

Furthermore, even if you don’t want to divulge that information, you should still speak amongst yourselves prior to getting quotes so that you have an idea of what you want to or are willing to spend on a project.

So should you discuss your budget with a contractor? Well, that’s really up to you, of course. We would suggest that if the contractor came referred to you by someone you know and trust and they have done work for them in the past, they are reputable, professional, and trustworthy – then yes. It will help the process and they can help you better plan your project. If you are just shopping around or found someone online then maybe just have them send you their quote and you can work forward from there.

Any thoughts, questions or comments are always welcome!