We’ve all heard it before: “Get three bids before you choose a contractor.”

At first glance, it seems like smart, responsible advice, but in the remodeling world, that approach can backfire badly. At D.B.C. Solutions, we work with clients every day who followed that advice… and ended up hiring us after things went sideways with the “lowest bidder.” So let’s break down why this well-meaning advice can actually hurt your project, and what you should do instead.

The Problem With the “3 Bids” Rule: Most people assume getting multiple bids will give them a fair range of pricing and help them
spot a good deal. But here’s the reality: Most remodeling bids are not apples-to-apples. Each contractor may interpret your project differently. Some will underbid just to get the job, then hit you with change orders later. Without clear, consistent scopes, comparing 3 bids is like comparing a bicycle, a motorcycle,
and a sports car all for your next road trip. Same goal, totally different ride.

Here’s What Happens With Most Bids:
Let’s say you want to remodel your kitchen. You call three contractors.
Contractor A gives you a $65,000 estimate.
Contractor B gives you a $48,000 estimate.
Contractor C gives you a $79,000 estimate.
Contractor B seems like the sweet spot, right?

But here’s the problem:
One contractor may include custom cabinets, while another quotes stock ones. One might include full design support; another might leave that up to you. Some might leave out permits, appliances, or demolition entirely.
You’re not comparing the same job. You’re comparing three different visions of your remodel.

What the Lowest Bid Usually Means
In many cases, the lowest bid is:
Based on assumptions you haven’t discussed, Missing critical line items, and structured to win the job now and make money later through change orders.
By the time your project is done, that low bid can balloon into more than the highest bid you initially passed on.

What You Should Do Instead
Here’s how we help homeowners make better remodeling decisions — even if they don’t choose
us:
Start with a clear scope of work. Without it, any price is just a guess.
Ask for a detailed proposal not a “ballpark.” If the numbers aren’t backed by written scope, materials, and timelines, it’s not a proposal. It’s a
pitch.
Interview the contractor’s process, not just their price. Ask: How do you communicate? How do you handle changes? What does the client experience
look like?
Use pricing to qualify trust, not just talent. A transparent contractor isn’t afraid to show you why they charge what they charge.

 

The D.B.C. Difference

At D.B.C. Solutions, we don’t play pricing games. We offer:
Fully detailed, transparent proposals
Clear timelines and expectations
Education up front — so you can compare the right way
We’d rather lose the job to a competitor who’s honest than win it by hiding the truth.
Final Thought
The “get three bids” rule is outdated.
Clarity, trust, and communication should be your deciding factors, not just a number on a
page.
We help our clients understand the whole picture before they ever sign because you deserve
more than a bid. You deserve a partner who tells the truth.
Ready to see what a transparent proposal looks like?
Schedule a discovery call with D.B.C. Solutions today.