# What should you not tell a contractor before a bid?

A bid should be priced on the written scope of the job, not on what the contractor learns about you, so here is what to keep to yourself before the numbers are in, and what to say instead.

## Should I tell a contractor my budget?

No, not before you choose a contractor, because a bid should be priced from the written scope, not from what you can afford. A contractor who hears your figure has little reason to come in under it. Ask for 3 itemized bids on the same scope. The InstaBids intake assistant is instructed never to ask what you can spend.

**Say instead:** "Price this written scope, itemized. I'll compare bids line by line."

## Should I tell a contractor what other bids came in at?

No, never share another contractor's figure, even to push a price down. A bidder who knows the number to beat prices against that number, not against the work, and often makes the difference back in the scope. Compare all 3 bids line by line against the same written scope and ask about any line that is missing or vague.

**Say instead:** "Yours is one of several bids on the same written scope. Please itemize every line."

## How do I get quotes without giving out my number? <!--method-->
Contractors who take part estimate from your photos and a written scope card, so nobody visits before you see any prices. Homeowners pay InstaBids nothing. Contact details stay hidden until the homeowner picks a contractor and they confirm the connection. The contractor you pick may visit once before settling the final price against the percentage the bid stated.

## Should I say I'm getting other quotes?

Yes, saying you are getting other quotes is normal and keeps a bid honest, as long as you never share the figures. A contractor who walks away because you are comparing 3 written bids has told you something useful. Ask every bidder to price the same written scope so the quotes can actually be compared.

**Say instead:** "I'm collecting 3 written bids on this scope and will decide by [date]."

## Should I tell a contractor I need it done fast?

Typically no, because urgency gets priced in, so keep your deadline out of the conversation until the number is written. Ask every bidder for start and finish dates in writing, and set your own decision date, for example 7 days out. If a bidder will not hold a price for 7 days, ask what changes in a week.

**Say instead:** "The job is ready to start. Put your start date and finish date in the bid."

## Should I tell a contractor it's an insurance job?

No, not before you have the contractor's own itemized bid on the written scope, and never hand over the insurer's estimate as the price to hit. Get the contractor's price first, then compare the 2 documents line by line.

In Florida, section 489.147(2)(b) of the statutes bars a contractor from offering the homeowner anything of value, such as a rebate, gift or cash, for a roof inspection or claim. The homeowner pays the deductible.

**Say instead:** "Price the written scope, itemized. I will deal with my insurer myself."

## Should I give a contractor my phone number to get a quote?

No, a quote can be based on a written scope and photos. Contact details stay hidden until the homeowner picks a contractor and they confirm the connection. The contact-detail filter can miss disguised contact details.

**Say instead:** "Please send the written bid through InstaBids."

## Should I tell a contractor I don't know anything about the work?

No, you do not need to know the trade, but announcing that you will take their word for everything invites a vague bid. Ask for 1 written scope that names every material by brand and product line, says whether a permit is needed, and lists what is not included, then have all 3 bidders price that same scope.

**Say instead:** "Write the scope so a stranger could price it. I'll compare each line."

Related guide: [Contractor licences, state by state](/how-to-check-a-contractor-licence)

## Should I sign to lock in the price today?

No, a price that expires tonight is a sales tactic, not a quote, because a real bid can be written down and held. Take every bid home for at least 24 hours and read it against the written scope. If a contractor will not hold a price for 24 hours, treat that as your answer.

**Say instead:** "Email me the bid in writing. I decide on [date]."

## Should I pay a big deposit to get on the schedule?

No, tie every deposit to a written schedule of work stages, not to a promised start date. In Florida, Statutes §489.126(2)(a) says a contractor who takes more than 10 percent of the contract price up front must apply for permits within 30 days of payment and start within 90 days of permits being issued. Other states set their own rules.

The Florida statute does not cap a deposit at 10 percent, and it allows a longer period if you agree to one in writing.

**Say instead:** "Show me the payment schedule tied to work stages before I pay anything."

## Should I tell a contractor I live alone?

No, a bid needs the job, not your routine, so never tell a bidder you live alone or which days the house is empty. Get numbers on a written scope before anyone visits. On InstaBids you do not schedule visits for bids. The contractor you pick may visit once before settling the final price against the percentage the bid stated.

**Say instead:** Nothing about your household. If a visit is needed, schedule it for a time when someone can be with you.


## Say this instead

| If you were about to say | Say this instead |
|---|---|
| "My budget is about..." | "Price this written scope, itemized." |
| "The other guy quoted..." | "Yours is one of several bids on the same scope." |
| "You're the only one I've called." | "I'm collecting 3 written bids and will decide by [date]." |
| "I need this done by Friday." | "Put your start date and finish date in the bid." |
| "Insurance is paying, here's their estimate." | "Give me your own itemized number first." |
| "Here's my cell, call me with a price." | "Send the written bid through the platform." |
| "I don't know anything about this stuff." | "Write the scope so a stranger could price it." |
| "Okay, I'll sign today for that price." | "Email it to me. I'll take at least 24 hours." |
| "How much do you need up front?" | "Show me a payment schedule tied to work stages." |
| "I'm home alone most days." | Nothing. Your household is not part of the scope. |

## Start a bid card

Describe the job once. Use the written scope to describe the work. Every number is written by a contractor, none by InstaBids. Contact details stay hidden until the homeowner picks a contractor and they confirm the connection.

InstaBids is in an early pilot in Broward and Palm Beach counties. We are still building our contractor network, so a job may not get bids yet. Your request page shows whether any bids have come in.

[Start a bid card](/intake)

Last checked: 21 September 2026