Did Your NOVA Home Contractor Include Everything in Your Quote? Don’t Get Caught Off Guard!
When You Get a Quote for Your Home Remodel in Northern Virginia, What’s Actually Included?
A good contractor doesn’t just throw out a number. They take the time to understand what you want, the materials you expect, and what your budget truly needs to cover.
But too often, homeowners receive incomplete quotes that look good on paper but don’t reflect reality.
Questions You Should Be Asking About Your Quote
Did the contractor truly understand your vision before pricing the job? If they didn’t ask these key questions, you might be in for a major financial surprise later.
✅ Custom Cabinets: Included or an Upgrade?
Custom cabinetry is a major expense, and if your quote only includes stock cabinets, you could be looking at a huge price jump, and I mean huge.
Cabinet costs vary more than any other category in a remodel. (But that’s a topic for another article.)
G2 Builders Remodel with Custom High-End Cabinets
✅ Flooring: Is It the One You Wanted?
Are you expecting solid or engineered hardwood ($15–$16 per sq. ft.), luxury vinyl plank ($10 per sq. ft.), or marble tile ($10-30 per sq. ft.) for your kitchen?
The difference between builder-grade and high-end selections can mean tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the square footage.
✅ Luxury Appliances: Budgeted or Surprise Expense?
Did the contractor account for high-end appliances? That single detail could mean a $20,000+ difference in your budget.
Wolf Sub-Zero refrigerator: $10,000–$15,000
Wolf range: $10,000–$15,000
Bosch refrigerator: $4,000–$5,000
Bosch range: $4,000–$5,000
Even mid-range appliances have multiple tiers, with costs varying significantly. If they weren’t accounted for in your quote, you’ll be stuck paying out-of-pocket when it’s time to order.
Wolfe Sub-Zero Refrigerator vs. Bosch Appliances
✅ Tile Selection: High-End or Entry-Level?
Just because a quote includes “tile” doesn’t mean it’s the one you envisioned.
A contractor who isn’t specific might be using an allowance that barely covers entry-level tile, not the Ann Sacks designer tile you had in mind.
✅ Paint: Included or an Afterthought?
It sounds like a small thing, but paint costs add up, especially if you expect high-end finishes or multiple coats for a flawless look.
A vague quote might include your kitchen, but not the room on the other side of the wall you're removing, leaving you with an unexpected expense.
Approximate sample of 5 categories in a kitchen remodel
The Reality: A “Cheap” Quote Can Cost You More
If these details weren’t discussed upfront, expect a costly surprise when the final bill arrives.
Many homeowners fall for lowball quotes, only to realize mid-project that key features weren’t included. Suddenly, change orders and add-ons push their "affordable" project way over budget.
Contractors tend to use allowances for each category. If they’re too low, you’ll cover the difference. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure your contractor’s allowances align with the selections you actually want.
How G2 Builders Does It Differently
When I quote a job, it’s based on our actual discussion and not just a number that sounds good or was pulled from a computer.
Could I lowball a price to win more jobs? Sure. But that’s not how I do business.
I’d rather lose a job upfront than win it with a misleading quote and end up with an unhappy client.
The Bottom Line: A Quote Is Only as Good as the Details Behind It
Before jumping on the cheapest quote, ask yourself:
Did they really take the time to understand what I want?
Because if not, that quote means nothing.
Quality Work. Honest Pricing.
That’s how we do it at G2 Builders.
When quality matters, so do the details.
Planning a home remodel in Northern Virginia? Let’s talk.