How do I get multiple bids from contractors?

The traditional multi-bid process is cumbersome but essential for most larger projects. Done right, it yields price clarity and contractor fit. Done wrong (lead platforms that flood your inbox), it's stressful and often produces worse outcomes than going direct.

Problems with lead-generation platforms (Angi, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack):

• Your contact info is broadcast to multiple contractors who pay for leads.
• Each has financial pressure to close you quickly, not to scope properly.
• Quality of contractor pool varies wildly.
• Platform doesn't verify current license status for your project.
• Contractors pay the platform (often $50-$150+ per lead) which increases their pricing to you.

Better approach: direct sourcing:

1. Identify candidates through vetted channels: - Neighborhood recommendations from recent comparable remodels. - State contractor licensing board active contractor search. - NAHB or NARI local chapter directory. - Architect or designer recommendations if you have one. - AskBaily matching (verifies license, insurance, bond; one contractor per match, not a flood).

2. Initial screening (before walkthrough): - Call 5-8 candidates. - 10-minute phone conversation to verify project fit, schedule, basic availability. - Narrow to 3-5 for site walk.

3. Prepare consistent scope document: - Describe project in writing. - Provide any plans/sketches you have. - Specify what you want quoted (materials level, specific products, allowances). - Indicate target timeline. - Clarify who pulls permits.

4. Schedule individual site walks: - Separate appointments (not group). - 15-30 minutes each. - Walk the project together. - Let them ask questions. - Take notes on their questions (quality of questions = quality of contractor).

5. Give 7-14 days for written bid: - Longer for complex projects. - Shorter (3-5 days) for small work. - Ask for format: scope, allowances, exclusions, timeline, draw schedule, warranty.

6. Review bids side-by-side: - Create comparison spreadsheet: total price, each major line item, allowances, exclusions, timeline, warranty. - Reject extreme outliers. - Note scope differences.

7. Follow-up interviews for top 2-3: - Deeper dive on scope clarity. - Reference checks. - Final questions.

1. Site visit of current project (if possible).

9. Decision and negotiation: - Don't automatically pick lowest. - Negotiate scope or allowances to align best-fit bid to budget. - Verify COI and license immediately before signing.

How many bids is right:

• 1 bid — fine if you have high confidence from personal referral; risky without other reference points.
• 2 bids — minimum for most projects. Gives you a sanity check.
• 3-5 bids — best for understanding pricing range and scope variability.
• 6+ bids — diminishing returns. Your time matters.

AskBaily's alternative approach:

AskBaily matches you to ONE verified contractor who scopes your project thoroughly. Pros:

• No broadcast of your contact info.
• One detailed scope conversation instead of 5 partial walk-throughs.
• License, insurance, bond pre-verified.
• References in your city for comparable projects.
• Quote comes with itemized scope + realistic timeline + permit strategy.

Cons:

• You don't see price spread across multiple contractors.
• Less comparative shopping.

When multi-bid makes more sense:

• Very large projects ($500K+).
• Unique projects (custom home, historic restoration).
• Homeowners who want price visibility explicitly.

When AskBaily's single-match approach makes more sense:

• Standard remodels (kitchen, bathroom, ADU).
• Homeowners who value time savings.
• Homeowners who don't enjoy the 3-5 walkthrough process.

Common mistakes in multi-bid process:

• Inconsistent scope description across contractors.
• Pitting bids against each other before completing walkthroughs.
• Choosing on price alone.
• Not checking references.
• Rushed timeline pressure on bidders produces incomplete bids.

AskBaily's matching process was built specifically to replace the multi-bid dance with quality-driven single matching for standard remodel scopes. See /commitments for our matching commitments and verification standards.