What workarounds did people try for "Why are contractor and window replacement quotes so absurdly high?"?

Community members documented 94 workarounds: 1. getting multiple quotes from different contractors 2. Get multiple quotes from other companies 3. Getting multiple quotes to compare prices 4. Calling other contractors for alternative, fairer estimates 5. Fixing or handling home repairs independently with cheaper parts 6. Telling aggressive salesmen to leave 7. Calling local, independent specialists and small businesses for alternative quotes 8. Buying window AC units or alternative heating/cooling units instead 9. Doing the repairs or replacements independently with parts ordered online 10. Opting out of the builder's offer and adding a deck later independently. 11. Seeking advice online from forums 12. Shopping around for a local independent mechanic 13. Using repair cost estimators like AAA 14. Learning how to do the repairs yourself 15. asking AI tools for cost estimates 16. relying on word-of-mouth or friends of family 17. getting multiple quotes before evaluating project costs 18. replacing the garbage disposal yourself as a DIY project 19. hiring a different plumber 20. reporting the dishonest plumber to management 21. ignoring the quote 22. emailing back and politely declining 23. obtaining multiple comparative bids 24. Hire mom and pop shops instead of large corporate or private equity companies 25. Pay for a diagnostic and fix the problem yourself 26. planning to do the heating system zoning work myself 27. making phone calls instead of using email or webpage contact forms 28. Call a different company 29. Replace the part yourself 30. doing the work themselves via DIY 31. making dozens of calls to find different contractors 32. getting 5 to 10 quotes before finding someone reasonable 33. searching local Facebook groups instead of relying on Google or sponsored results 34. Walking away from the deal 35. Using an independent engineer to do the cost analysis and create full CAD designs 36. Raising debt or funding via friends and family instead of giving away equity 37. getting multiple competitive bids 38. shopping around for smaller local contractors instead of top Google results 39. doing the painting work independently with a sprayer 40. DIY the projects 41. use contractor quotes just to learn what materials to buy and do the work independently 42. accept financing for discounts and pay it off immediately 43. Ordering installation directly through the manufacturer website for a flat fee 44. Shopping around for independent plumbers who do not mark up smart fixture installation 45. waiting for other quotes 46. getting quotes for the materials and installation separately 47. asking local community groups for recommendations 48. Attempting to install HVAC systems independently 49. Obtaining a contractor account to purchase wholesale supplies directly 50. Diagnosing and repairing appliances or systems independently using forums, AI, and YouTube tutorials 51. Ordering parts directly and performing DIY repairs 52. DIY the installation 53. Shop around for alternative contractor bids 54. Improve basement sealing and insulation 55. Clearing lines yourself using a shop vac, compressed air, or a tank of nitrogen 56. Pouring bleach or vinegar into the line monthly to prevent bacterial buildup and clogs 57. Switching to a different company or hiring someone cheaper to do the maintenance 58. Getting a second opinion from a remediation company for cleaning and coating instead of full replacement 59. Looking into DIY mold remediation sprays or foggers 60. Getting a second quote from another professional to compare prices and scope 61. Consulting online forums like Reddit to evaluate whether contractor pricing is fair or scammy 62. Starting small with a BBQ grill and foldable tables instead of a full outdoor kitchen 63. Doing the manual labor and finishing work yourself (DIY) to avoid high contractor bids 64. Getting a second opinion from an independent local plumber not tied to a big chain. 65. Asking questions about the bill and comparing rates with others 66. Getting three quotes before evaluating project costs 67. Finding a smaller contractor that has their own crews rather than heavy advertisers 68. Doing the project as a DIY project if handy 69. Getting multiple other estimates 70. Comparing local market pricing for larger painting jobs 71. Doing manual J/S/D calculations themselves 72. Sourcing parts from a supply house 73. Considering a complete DIY installation 74. Doing the repair as a DIY project using tutorial videos 75. Researching materials and handling the project independently to save money 76. reaching out to multiple contractors to get alternative bids 77. keeping options open and walking away from unreasonable quotes 78. canceling the contract within the right to cancel period 79. contacting an attorney 80. complaining to state consumer affairs or the DA 81. getting multiple competing quotes 82. Asking for an hourly rate and invoices for concrete and supplies 83. Rejecting the new quote and invoice 84. Hiring a drafter instead of an architect for lower-cost permit drawings 85. Submitting drawings to a structural engineer for stamps 86. Buying pre-made garage plans and materials lists online 87. Having a husband or male partner handle all communications with contractors to receive fair treatment and accurate pricing 88. Calling younger small businesses instead of large chains 89. Using AI tools like ChatGPT to evaluate quotes and conduct research neutrally 90. Playing stupid to test how far contractors will go with lies and inflated scopes 91. Setting up a male-named email alias to handle customer pushback 92. Doing the installation completely DIY to avoid massive labor markups. 93. Getting multiple quotes and seeking out smaller, independent contractors instead of large companies. 94. Buying multiple window units instead of replacing the central system.

Why are contractor and window replacement quotes so absurdly high?

Aggressive sales representatives heavily inflate price estimates, such as quoting $146,000 for a handful of doors and windows, under the assumption that homeowners do not know what the work should actually cost. This makes homeowners feel taken advantage of and leads them to actively discourage others from using those companies.

Overview

Last updated Oct 6, 2026

People affected69 accounts across 10 forums

Workarounds found94 items attempted

Community agreement6,994 total upvotes

What the numbers show

Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count

It goes quiet, then comes back — 5 separate clusters since September 2025.
This comes up 17.3× more often in r/HomeImprovement than across the site as a whole.

What people tried

Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.

94 items+ Contribute

Found another way around this?

Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.

1
getting multiple quotes from different contractors
2 people mentioned
Did this help you?
2
Get multiple quotes from other companies
2 people mentioned
Did this help you?
3
Getting multiple quotes to compare prices
2 people mentioned
Did this help you?
4
Calling other contractors for alternative, fairer estimates
Did this help you?
5
Fixing or handling home repairs independently with cheaper parts
Did this help you?
6
Telling aggressive salesmen to leave
Did this help you?
7
Calling local, independent specialists and small businesses for alternative quotes
Did this help you?
8
Buying window AC units or alternative heating/cooling units instead
Did this help you?
9
Doing the repairs or replacements independently with parts ordered online
Did this help you?
10
Opting out of the builder's offer and adding a deck later independently.
Did this help you?
11
Seeking advice online from forums
Did this help you?
12
Shopping around for a local independent mechanic
Did this help you?
13
Using repair cost estimators like AAA
Did this help you?
14
Learning how to do the repairs yourself
Did this help you?
15
asking AI tools for cost estimates
Did this help you?
16
relying on word-of-mouth or friends of family
Did this help you?
17
getting multiple quotes before evaluating project costs
Did this help you?
18
replacing the garbage disposal yourself as a DIY project
Did this help you?
19
hiring a different plumber
Did this help you?
20
reporting the dishonest plumber to management
Did this help you?
21
ignoring the quote
Did this help you?
22
emailing back and politely declining
Did this help you?
23
obtaining multiple comparative bids
Did this help you?
24
Hire mom and pop shops instead of large corporate or private equity companies
Did this help you?
25
Pay for a diagnostic and fix the problem yourself
Did this help you?
26
planning to do the heating system zoning work myself
Did this help you?
27
making phone calls instead of using email or webpage contact forms
Did this help you?
28
Call a different company
Did this help you?
29
Replace the part yourself
Did this help you?
30
doing the work themselves via DIY
Did this help you?
31
making dozens of calls to find different contractors
Did this help you?
32
getting 5 to 10 quotes before finding someone reasonable
Did this help you?
33
searching local Facebook groups instead of relying on Google or sponsored results
Did this help you?
34
Walking away from the deal
Did this help you?
35
Using an independent engineer to do the cost analysis and create full CAD designs
Did this help you?
36
Raising debt or funding via friends and family instead of giving away equity
Did this help you?
37
getting multiple competitive bids
Did this help you?
38
shopping around for smaller local contractors instead of top Google results
Did this help you?
39
doing the painting work independently with a sprayer
Did this help you?
40
DIY the projects
Did this help you?
41
use contractor quotes just to learn what materials to buy and do the work independently
Did this help you?
42
accept financing for discounts and pay it off immediately
Did this help you?
43
Ordering installation directly through the manufacturer website for a flat fee
Did this help you?
44
Shopping around for independent plumbers who do not mark up smart fixture installation
Did this help you?
45
waiting for other quotes
Did this help you?
46
getting quotes for the materials and installation separately
Did this help you?
47
asking local community groups for recommendations
Did this help you?
48
Attempting to install HVAC systems independently
Did this help you?
49
Obtaining a contractor account to purchase wholesale supplies directly
Did this help you?
50
Diagnosing and repairing appliances or systems independently using forums, AI, and YouTube tutorials
Did this help you?
51
Ordering parts directly and performing DIY repairs
Did this help you?
52
DIY the installation
Did this help you?
53
Shop around for alternative contractor bids
Did this help you?
54
Improve basement sealing and insulation
Did this help you?
55
Clearing lines yourself using a shop vac, compressed air, or a tank of nitrogen
Did this help you?
56
Pouring bleach or vinegar into the line monthly to prevent bacterial buildup and clogs
Did this help you?
57
Switching to a different company or hiring someone cheaper to do the maintenance
Did this help you?
58
Getting a second opinion from a remediation company for cleaning and coating instead of full replacement
Did this help you?
59
Looking into DIY mold remediation sprays or foggers
Did this help you?
60
Getting a second quote from another professional to compare prices and scope
Did this help you?
61
Consulting online forums like Reddit to evaluate whether contractor pricing is fair or scammy
Did this help you?
62
Starting small with a BBQ grill and foldable tables instead of a full outdoor kitchen
Did this help you?
63
Doing the manual labor and finishing work yourself (DIY) to avoid high contractor bids
Did this help you?
64
Getting a second opinion from an independent local plumber not tied to a big chain.
Did this help you?
65
Asking questions about the bill and comparing rates with others
Did this help you?
66
Getting three quotes before evaluating project costs
Did this help you?
67
Finding a smaller contractor that has their own crews rather than heavy advertisers
Did this help you?
68
Doing the project as a DIY project if handy
Did this help you?
69
Getting multiple other estimates
Did this help you?
70
Comparing local market pricing for larger painting jobs
Did this help you?
71
Doing manual J/S/D calculations themselves
Did this help you?
72
Sourcing parts from a supply house
Did this help you?
73
Considering a complete DIY installation
Did this help you?
74
Doing the repair as a DIY project using tutorial videos
Did this help you?
75
Researching materials and handling the project independently to save money
Did this help you?
76
reaching out to multiple contractors to get alternative bids
Did this help you?
77
keeping options open and walking away from unreasonable quotes
Did this help you?
78
canceling the contract within the right to cancel period
Did this help you?
79
contacting an attorney
Did this help you?
80
complaining to state consumer affairs or the DA
Did this help you?
81
getting multiple competing quotes
Did this help you?
82
Asking for an hourly rate and invoices for concrete and supplies
Did this help you?
83
Rejecting the new quote and invoice
Did this help you?
84
Hiring a drafter instead of an architect for lower-cost permit drawings
Did this help you?
85
Submitting drawings to a structural engineer for stamps
Did this help you?
86
Buying pre-made garage plans and materials lists online
Did this help you?
87
Having a husband or male partner handle all communications with contractors to receive fair treatment and accurate pricing
Did this help you?
88
Calling younger small businesses instead of large chains
Did this help you?
89
Using AI tools like ChatGPT to evaluate quotes and conduct research neutrally
Did this help you?
90
Playing stupid to test how far contractors will go with lies and inflated scopes
Did this help you?
91
Setting up a male-named email alias to handle customer pushback
Did this help you?
92
Doing the installation completely DIY to avoid massive labor markups.
Did this help you?
93
Getting multiple quotes and seeking out smaller, independent contractors instead of large companies.
Did this help you?
94
Buying multiple window units instead of replacing the central system.
Did this help you?

Tried another approach not listed above?+ Share your workaround ↑

In their words

Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.

r/HomeImprovement34 people · February 2026 – October 2026

“Every kitchen thread on here has the same numbers. Eighty, ninety, a hundred and ten grand. And it's never some enormous kitchen either, it's a normal one where they moved the sink.”source ↗

youceftazerty · r/HomeImprovement · 1,742 upvotes

“I was just quoted $146,000 for 2 12' sliders, 1 6' slider, 2 small windows and 8 large windows including installation.”source ↗

VilleToVille · r/HomeImprovement · 1,358 upvotes

“I’m a petite woman and I’ve had difficulty with contractors: plumbers, handymen, etc. I own the home my husband and I live in. There’s been so many times I’m requesting quotes and because I’m a woman, they lie about the condition of the issue to the extreme and give me outrageous quotes.”source ↗

shootingstar_9324 · r/HomeImprovement · 1,040 upvotes

“I had the same experience when I didn't know any better. Now I'll disparage them to anyone who will listen.”source ↗

iHaveLotsofCats94 · r/HomeImprovement · 132 upvotes

“I recently got an estimate to paint a living room and I was shocked at the total.”source ↗

“But I thought it was a typo when I saw $8,400. Am I nuts?”source ↗

mspoonygp · r/HomeImprovement · 108 upvotes

“My in-laws got quoted $25k by Jacuzzi to pull out a tub and install a shower. Not the whole bathroom, just a tub to shower conversion.”source ↗

therealswimshady · r/HomeImprovement · 106 upvotes

“My 85+yo parents had Leafguard gutters installed(without checking with me or my sister first) on their house with a max 250 ft of gutters needed. They were charged $17k, which seems insane to me. Am I wrong or were they ripped off?”source ↗

Giftof1004moves · r/HomeImprovement · 106 upvotes

“My wife lined up a estimate with them so they came by, I listened to their pitch, I assumed it would be that the one door I want replaced would be 5,000$ instead of 1000$, whatever.”source ↗

xtrm_noobsauce · r/HomeImprovement · 87 upvotes

“The contractor proceeded to call his boss, who called my husband, who called me since he had no idea what the hell they were talking about. Guess what the solution was? What I had told them.”source ↗

mexericaa · r/HomeImprovement · 83 upvotes

“This is why I have put off house projects (two of them are big). I usually catch the inflated scope before they can screw us over, but the fact that I have to have my guard up so hard is why I dislike dealing with contractors.”source ↗

whereisthequicksand · r/HomeImprovement · 59 upvotes

“We got quoted $16k for replacing our front door with hurricane resistant. Wouldn't stop flooding, just wind.”source ↗

Round_Doughnut7793 · r/HomeImprovement · 33 upvotes

“Got a quote for 11 new windows and 2 sliding doors. $123,000.”source ↗

mathliability · r/HomeImprovement · 29 upvotes

“I had 3 companies all quotes me 3k to paint my damn shadowbox fence. And all 3 said it would take them one day. I looked up the materials cost $800. 2200 for 2 guys and a days work? Seriously wtf.”source ↗

blackcloud247 · r/HomeImprovement · 29 upvotes

“I had a male tattooist working for me. The electrician asked him where the plugs were to go in my room. I had already told him. There was some energy salesperson who walked in, saw me and asked for the boss. I told him he was talking to her. He then turned to the male tattooist and said 'that's cute, you let the girl on the desk think she's the boss'.”source ↗

chahu · r/HomeImprovement · 23 upvotes

“It took nearly 2 years and was one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. It’s sad but you know what helped me most? ChatGPT. A neutral way to Evaluate quotes, do research, and it helped me track the budget.”source ↗

Puzzled_Nobody294 · r/HomeImprovement · 15 upvotes

“As a woman homeowner, when I need to get past this problem I tell my boyfriend "I need to borrow your dick, and not for sex right now, maybe later". He does the communicating so we get treated fairly, I pay the bill.”source ↗

IReflectU · r/HomeImprovement · 13 upvotes

“First one ghosted, second showed up and answered all my questions throughly and politely, third one asked if my husband was available to talk. I told him I am the wife and husband in the house and he chuckled and said he needed to check just in case.”source ↗

useless_instinct · r/HomeImprovement · 13 upvotes

“I've got another company coming to give a competitive bid, but I'm curious if this is a fuck off quote or what.”source ↗

“That said, I was expecting an expensive job but this blew my mind.”source ↗

kayakman13 · r/HomeImprovement · 9 upvotes

“When we got there he said the walls require plastering and that if we don't do a skim coat then the plaster is going to absorb moisture and the paint is going to peel off... and he thinks it'll be around $20,000 more.”source ↗

“Is my contractor trying to charge us for work that should already be included?”source ↗

“And if not, then separately why are these quotes so so far apart?”source ↗

tamarticus · r/HomeImprovement · 9 upvotes

“3ish years ago I paid 3k-3.5k to have about 200 feet of gutter replaced, which included larger gutters (5in instead of 4inch iirc), larger downspout piping, and metal mesh covering the entire gutter system.”source ↗

Acetes · r/HomeImprovement · 4 upvotes

“I wouldn't pay this for what you described”source ↗

Flat_Conversation858 · r/HomeImprovement · 3 upvotes

“It seems I put too much trust in what AI is quoting me 🤔”source ↗

DoZeYLoVe · r/HomeImprovement · 2 upvotes

“Is this quote as ridiculous as I think it is? I was skeptical that this would even require architectural plans and $12.5k seems insane to rebuild something as simple as a garage.”source ↗

Familiar_Chemical339 · r/HomeImprovement · 2 upvotes

“I recently used AI to gauge cost for building a deck. It was very different what my local quotes were. I had quotes that were 2-3x the cost AI suggested”source ↗

SlipperyBones1 · r/HomeImprovement · 1 upvotes

“Is that normal to charge that much just to walk in the door?”source ↗

dr_leo_spaceman_ · r/HomeImprovement · 1 upvotes

“when did the world get to be like this... yes, it's insane.”source ↗

Accomplished-Yak9405 · r/HomeImprovement · 1 upvotes

“I have had some shock at our quotes so far - 40k and 49k. Was optimistic and hoping to find around 30k, which was our budget.”source ↗

Anon_1837474 · r/HomeImprovement · 1 upvotes

“A 1200 sq foot 2-3 bed space runs around 3k in my area. Thats painting all walls, trim, and ceilings”source ↗

mildlyarrousedly · r/HomeImprovement · 1 upvotes

“We’re in a MCOL city and just had our 2800sq ft house painted top to bottom, including closets, for 10,500 using the name-brand Benjamin Moore paint.”source ↗

DinckinFlikka · r/HomeImprovement · 1 upvotes

“I am about 252sqft getting quotes from 4k-6000 depending on type of guard, size (i’m looking at 6” with 3x4 downspout) and warranty.”source ↗

canofspam2020 · r/HomeImprovement · 1 upvotes

“That is literally 10x what I payed 2 years ago for new gutters WITH guards on what sounds like a similar sized house.”source ↗

BigEarl217 · r/HomeImprovement · 1 upvotes

“Seems like an f-off quote. Rule of 3’s comes into play here.”source ↗

hewholivesinshadow · r/HomeImprovement · 1 upvotes

“I had a friend of a family member come by and give me a quote of $1,750 which I thought sounded reasonable, but upon asking AI, I'm being told this is 3x what it should actually cost.”source ↗

DoZeYLoVe · r/HomeImprovement

“Instead, we’re getting ridiculous numbers.”source ↗

“We’ve had a good sized local company come out to quote it and I think it’s coming out absolutely crazy. If they supply the toilet, they want $9800. If we buy the toilet ($4,500 including tax and shipping from Kohler online) then the install is being quoted for $2,600.”source ↗

CECINS · r/HomeImprovement

“I was just quoted $9,000 per 6'x8' Harvey vinyl slider (so $36,000 for 4 sliders total.) Even if each one cost $4,000, $5,000 for installation sounds outrageous to me.”source ↗

aDirtyMartini · r/HomeImprovement

r/hvacadvice16 people · September 2025 – October 2026

“As the title states I got quoted 33k for an AC unit and a heater.”source ↗

“I have no prior knowledge in this field but there seemed to be more red flags than a Chinese military parade.”source ↗

LOVES_TO_SPLOOGE69 · r/hvacadvice · 1,129 upvotes

“It was the $47,000 quote to change out two heat pumps and the ductwork for one of them that pushed me over the edge.”source ↗

“Then I got an $11,000 quote for just the ductwork for one of them. So now I'm fully committed on that front, too.”source ↗

“I walked into an HVAC supply house and they wouldn't sell me anything because I don't have a contractor account. More friction. Big racket.”source ↗

Hot_Success8295 · r/hvacadvice · 173 upvotes

“My heater broke in the middle of winter in 2023. I live in the Chicago area, and it was cold! Called one place that was local but big, and they said it wouldn't be worth it to fix, and I should do the AC at the same time.”source ↗

scrotumrancher · r/hvacadvice · 83 upvotes

“When it arrived, it seemed pretty inflated.”source ↗

“They evacuated the system and then appear to have charged me for refrigerant, even though they were putting back what they had just pulled out.”source ↗

JABRONEYCA · r/hvacadvice · 20 upvotes

“I am going through my own full house install right now (mini splits, five units, six heads) and because I am doing it myself and not outsourcing, I am opting for higher quality materials. I am fully blown away by the material costs and the time involved as a newbie.”source ↗

InspectionEntire2512 · r/hvacadvice · 6 upvotes

“I called a company that I'd worked with a few years back, and told them that the unit was making a sort of humming or buzzing sound but wasn't actually running. The guy said he'd call his boss… no way to know if he did or not, but he said that his boss had said to give me an estimate on a new air conditioner! They had not examined the unit… am I crazy, or was this completely unacceptable?”source ↗

Ecstatic_Act · r/hvacadvice · 5 upvotes

“I've been having trouble with clogged drain lines. I have three ac units in my house. I understand that there's a baseline materials cost for each unit but I received a quote for over 1.3k for clearing out my units.”source ↗

finding-meaning-01 · r/hvacadvice · 3 upvotes

“Was just quoted $3,500 to replace a damper motor and control board.”source ↗

“Am I crazy or is that crazy?”source ↗

OleNorthLamar · r/hvacadvice · 2 upvotes

“This is why I am DIYing my 65k 3 system quote. Will cost me 15k plus parts, let’s call it 20k. Not easy but not the hardest 45k I ever made”source ↗

Few-Wolverine-7283 · r/hvacadvice · 2 upvotes

“I was completely caught off guard by $3,500.”source ↗

OleNorthLamar · r/hvacadvice · 1 upvotes

“Quote from HVAC guy to install Aprilaire E080, $7500. Unit costs $1850 at Lowes.”source ↗

“This quote seems very high, yes?”source ↗

Whiskeejak · r/hvacadvice · 1 upvotes

“I have two slipped discs in my back and a torn rotator cuff. Not an option to do it myself.”source ↗

Whiskeejak · r/hvacadvice · 1 upvotes

“Pricing seems ridiculous and work seems over the top for the issue but not familiar with bacterial problems.”source ↗

RevolutionaryEcho · r/hvacadvice · 1 upvotes

“I get sludge buildup every other month and they tied my drain line to my bathroom sink. So when it clog, my bathroom sink is clogged also.”source ↗

Salty-Fishman · r/hvacadvice · 1 upvotes

“My last quote was 65k and it kind of blew my pants off.”source ↗

“So no one will take a design and just install it? So I am left to DIY this?”source ↗

Few-Wolverine-7283 · r/hvacadvice · 1 upvotes

“I just got two systems installed in LI for half the price of every other of the 5 quotes I got.”source ↗

q-continuum · r/hvacadvice · 1 upvotes

“I'm having trouble getting a local contractor (Toronto, Ontario) to quote me either at all on the final zoning step of this work, or they quote an absurd amount.”source ↗

“I was just quoted $15k to supply and install 7 zone valves, one zone controller and one floor thermostat, do all required wiring and reconfiguring.”source ↗

“Am I wrong to think that $15k (Canadian) is overcharging for this work? Anyone know anyone in Toronto that might do this last bit of zoning?”source ↗

ekkridon · r/hvacadvice

“We are first time homeowners and first time parents, so all of this feels really overwhelming! Do we really have to pay thousands to resolve this issue? Is there a fogger or spray that we can use to remediate mold ourselves?”source ↗

ineedtotell123 · r/hvacadvice

“I'm replacing two HVAC systems in my house and I'm having a really hard time understanding the pricing I'm getting.”source ↗

“Another thing I've noticed: not a single contractor has given me an itemized quote separating equipment, materials, labor, sheet metal, electrical, permits, etc. It's always one bundled number.”source ↗

SnooMemesjellies9146 · r/hvacadvice

r/homeowners9 people · September 2026 – October 2026

“Am I way off base, or is this quote as ridiculous as I think it is?”source ↗

Moist-Pickle-2736 · r/homeowners · 369 upvotes

“half a dozen $25k quotes because "whole door gotta be replaced, bud". after dozens of calls, finding a GC, and carpenter, got a guy who did fantastic work for $1.2k.”source ↗

“didn't realize painting was such a "highly skilled job" that made us get a $26k quote.”source ↗

DirtyOught · r/homeowners · 351 upvotes

“this explains why everything takes be 5-10 quotes to find someone worth paying to do work for me.”source ↗

DirtyOught · r/homeowners · 13 upvotes

“The contractor has now come back and tried to update the contract to $47,000 citing the concrete pad installation, additional disposal fees for the old deck, additional time to rent a machine for footer excavation and labor.”source ↗

betty1082 · r/homeowners · 11 upvotes

“We're looking into getting it fixed, but we've gotten wildly different estimates. One company said $550-$790. The other said $2000-3000. Is one of those estimates way off base?”source ↗

SenseiKrystal · r/homeowners · 10 upvotes

“I just moved to a rural home and everyone who has come has been worthless. They see you as a mark”source ↗

Sea_Cauliflower759 · r/homeowners · 8 upvotes

“metal quote:$56,176. i said let's move on. not even worth discussing an further.”source ↗

“Asphalt shingle (with 50 year warranty: $37,447.00 this included new fascia all around, venelation, and a new attic fan. also included was redecking the entire roof with plywood.”source ↗

“first bid was 37,447. cash price: 27,105”source ↗

“another price was 24,677, and then 3 minutes later 22,500. but the 22,500 quote is ONLY valid for one week.”source ↗

“contract proposal didn't include unit cost of ANYTHING. only except plywood that ran between 80.00 and 91.00 a sheet.”source ↗

IllustratorObvious40 · r/homeowners · 7 upvotes

“I just find it very convenient that everything was perfectly fine until they came, now all of a sudden two things are broken.”source ↗

Curious_Course5494 · r/homeowners · 2 upvotes

“Classic move, they show up for one thing and suddenly everything's connected to a $1k repair. The timing is way too suspicious”source ↗

lively_brunch · r/homeowners · 2 upvotes

“Unfortunately not getting an estimate and separate work order is on you as the homeowner.”source ↗

Other_Economics_8052 · r/homeowners · 1 upvotes

r/HomeMaintenance2 people · September 2026

“Well, the boiler wouldn’t fire up and the tech threw us a list of about 7 different parts he insisted were absolutely necessary to repair the boiler. The parts and labor quote came out to around 10k.”source ↗

Chevy1193 · r/HomeMaintenance · 289 upvotes

“I was told that my foundation repairs would cost tens of thousands of dollars, and most of that would be the time & effort of getting machinery into place”source ↗

BigGayGinger4 · r/HomeMaintenance · 17 upvotes

r/autorepair2 people · November 2025

“Pretty much clueless about cars, but this seems high.”source ↗

“Am I getting waxed or is this reasonable.”source ↗

Future-Employer-5774 · r/autorepair · 117 upvotes

“You say you are clueless about so how do you determine if this is high?”source ↗

Loose_Tip_8322 · r/autorepair · 9 upvotes

r/lawncare1 person · June 2026

“Our builder would put a deck on, but only one option and it’s like 6x10 for $20k, most people In my neighborhood opted to add one later.”source ↗

ZZ77ZZ77ZZ · r/lawncare · 85 upvotes

r/Plumbing1 person · September 2026

“I got this garbage disposal on sale at Costco. I was told that it’s a commercial garbage disposal. Would it required special tools or installation to replace my existing disposal with this one?”source ↗

KetchupNugs · r/Plumbing · 37 upvotes

“The plumber told me it was a commercial disposal and would require extra setup that would cost more than using the one he supplied…”source ↗

KetchupNugs · r/Plumbing · 1 upvotes

r/Landscaping2 people · September 2026

“The cost for our bluestone path was what we naively thought the entire project would cost. We love the work but we are six figures in and not even done.”source ↗

Relevant-Equipment95 · r/Landscaping · 11 upvotes

“We just finished putting in a backyard on a half acre lot. Granted, it is nice and we did a smaller pool, hot tub spa and outdoor kitchen. But it was EXPENSIVE.”source ↗

Scary-Baseball-4301 · r/Landscaping

r/Roofing1 person · September 2026

“Got 3 quotes for a full roof in San Francisco,first quote 42k, second quote 35k, and last quote $200k!!”source ↗

Plastic_Mulberry5241 · r/Roofing · 9 upvotes

r/smallbusiness1 person · September 2026

“He's now saying he needs to know soon if we are going to do it because he can't pull and then put his engineers back on it later . Or ask for a requote”source ↗

treborly · r/smallbusiness · 7 upvotes

“I'm thinking maybe it's just me new to the business and dragging my feet and I need to be on his level”source ↗

treborly · r/smallbusiness · 1 upvotes