8 Tips To Help You Negotiate With a Contractor

The time has come: You're ready to renovate. You've got your Pinterest board, a target budget and lots of ideas on what you want to do—but whether you can afford your dream reno is another question.

Unless you're a pro, it's hard to tell if those dreamy tile walls or sleek cabinets are simple upgrades or budget busters. That's where contractors come in. They turn big ideas into workable plans and build in buffers for the unknown—it's part of hiring a professional. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't negotiate. A good contractor expects it, and when you treat it as a partnership rather than a standoff, you're more likely to land on a plan—and a price—you'll both feel good about.

So how do you start the conversation, and what should you cover? Here are smart, practical tips to help you negotiate better deals on renovations and repairs.

1. Do Your Homework First

First up: Do some online research on what projects similar to yours tend to cost in your area. For instance, the average bathroom reno costs about $12,000, but that average comes from a range of $6,639 to $17,621, with more-luxe renovations going for more than $32,000. These averages can help you set your budget so you can give contractors an idea of the kinds of fittings and finishings you're looking for.

Next, make sure to get multiple quotes—ideally at least three. Itemize a list of exactly what you're looking for so the quotes are as precise as possible. Do additional research ahead of time on things like materials, finishes and any extras you might want, such as built-ins. Know whether you're up for DIY-ing anything like painting or if you want the contractor to do it all. Bonus: Showing you're informed garners instant respect.

2. Break Down Your Initial Quote Into Categories

The final price isn't the only thing that matters: It's what's included that counts. It's not uncommon in many industries for an initial quote to be bare bones, with additional costs added later—once you're already committed.

Break down the quote into materials, labor and timelines, and ensure all the quotes you've received are costing out the same list of items. Then, when you start negotiating, ask for changes within each category rather than simply requesting an overall lower price. Some contractors may offer alternatives that will save you money but still meet your needs.

3. Ask for Options, Not Just Discounts

Contractors price jobs the way they do for a reason. That doesn't mean they can't lower the price, but that will usually mean reducing or amending what you're getting, too. Being flexible can open the door to savings without sacrificing your vision. Ask about phased work, material swaps or doing some prep or demo yourself, or simply open a conversation about how the project can be adjusted to reach your target budget.

Another option is to make use of financing to manage your budget and get what you want. This could give you the flexibility to pay for the project in convenient monthly payments while fully paying the contractor.

4. Remember That Timing Is a Weapon

Many contractors tend to have slower seasons, such as early fall and late winter, when they're more likely to negotiate on price. This is where flexibility comes in handy again: By offering to schedule your project during their downtime (or even accepting a longer overall project timeline), you might snag a discount.

5. Bundle Projects

If you need multiple things done in your home—perhaps you want to repaint, replace tile and also repair a wall—ask for a package deal. Contractors save time and money by mobilizing once instead of three times, and they may decide to pass those savings along to you. Pro tip: Even mentioning a future project (like bathroom now, kitchen later) could sweeten your current deal.

6. Get It in Writing (Always!)

Every aspect of every quote and every change should be documented so you can refer to it later. This is partly a matter of memory—who will remember six months from now what kind of flooring you were quoted on?—and partly to make sure neither party changes their mind and pretends they didn't.

Unfortunately, verbal agreements tend to translate to future headaches. Be respectful but firm when asking for things in writing: "Great, let's just get that in the updated contract."

7. Know When To Walk Away

If a contractor pressures you, refuses to negotiate or is difficult to communicate with, those are red flags indicating it's time to look for someone else. Maybe they're having a bad month, or maybe that's just their personality. Either way, that behavior is a sign the project might not go smoothly.

A contractor worth hiring will respect both boundaries and budgets. Remember, confidence is key. "Thanks, but I think I'll keep looking" is a power move.

8. Be a Friendly Negotiator

Negotiating doesn't mean being difficult. You can negotiate with contractors without being a jerk or getting burned. It's a matter of having a friendly conversation defining the work required and how it will be compensated. Done right, it benefits both parties. The key is to be informed, flexible, firm and respectful, and to be clear about your must-haves and nice-to-haves before you even start—so you end up with a final product you're thrilled with.

Ready to get going on your next renovation project? Use our handy Home Improvement Locator at SYFPROS.com to find the right contractor for you and enjoy special financing to pay for the project over time. Bring your dream to life today!