Understanding Plumbing Quotes vs Estimates
When hiring a plumbing professional, you'll encounter two types of pricing documents: quotes and estimates. Understanding the difference can save you thousands and protect you legally under contract law.
The Key Differences
Quote (Fixed Price)
- Legally binding price commitment
- Protected under contract law
- Changes require a formal Change Order
- Contractor absorbs cost overruns
Estimate (Approximate)
- Non-binding price indication
- Can vary by 10-20% or more
- Final cost determined after work
- You absorb unexpected costs
Your Legal Protection in US
Under contract law, a written quote is generally considered a binding offer. Once you accept it, the contractor cannot increase the price without your written agreement through a Change Order. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help if a contractor tries to charge more than the quoted amount.
Always ensure your quote includes the contractor's EIN and clearly states whether Sales Tax is included in the price.
Local Insight for US
In the US, never pay more than 33% upfront for any contractor work. Reputable contractors understand cash flow concerns and will work with milestone-based payments. If a contractor demands full payment before starting, walk away—this is a major red flag recognized by the BBB.
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