That ‘Amazing’ Remodel Bid Could Cost You Thousands More Than Expected
Homeowners seeking design-build contractors are encountering a troubling trend. Some contractors, feeling the pressure of a slower market, are submitting artificially low bids by excluding essential material costs—a practice that can leave homeowners facing deceptively low expenses of $25,000-$30,000 or more.
These deceptively low bids often omit crucial components that any legitimate remodel, addition or other home building project require: building permits, fasteners, drywall materials, and numerous other essential materials that experienced contractors typically include in their comprehensive bids. It’s not just about the big-ticket items like windows or cabinets—it’s the hundreds of smaller materials that are absolutely necessary to complete your project properly.
Here’s the trap
Once construction begins and you’re emotionally and financially invested in your project, these contractors will present you with out-of-pocket costs for these materials. At that point, you’ll have little choice but to pay for them, as halting the project would be even more costly and disruptive.
This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring a smooth, stress-free remodeling experience. Before signing any contract, ask for detailed documentation of what materials are included in the bid and what are not. Make sure your contractor explicitly includes:
- All necessary building permits and fees
- Basic construction materials (nails, screws, strapping, etc.)
- Framing wood and materials
- Other project-specific materials
At MTD Construction, we believe in complete transparency.
Our bids may not always be the lowest, but they’re honest and comprehensive. We include all construction materials in our initial bid because we respect our clients too much to play pricing games. When you compare bids, make sure you’re comparing identical proposals—not just partial estimates that will balloon ater with “unexpected” costs.
Remember: in remodeling, if a bid seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect yourself by asking detailed questions and ensuring all materials are included in writing before you sign.