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How to tell if a repair quote is fair

You don't need to know construction to judge a quote. You need to know what a good one looks like.

A fair quote has five things

• A written scope. What will be done, in plain words.
• What's included. Parts, labor, permit, haul-away and cleanup.
• A price or a tight range, not "we'll see when we open it up."
• What could change it, said before the work starts.
• A license number for the trade doing the work.

Compare it with the going rate

Look up the job on our New York City repair cost pages, or put the number into the free quote check. Inside the range is normal. Far outside it, either way, deserves a question.

When to get a second opinion

• Any job over about $2,500
• Any time you're told to replace something big: a boiler, a roof, a panel, a sewer line
• When you feel rushed

What a low quote is hiding

Usually one of four things: no permit, no insurance, cheaper parts, or work left out that shows up later as an "extra." Ask about each one.

Common questions