Getting Three Quotes

Why Do We Get Three Bids?

The old advice might not be doing you any favors. We’ve all heard it: “Get three bids before you make a

decision.” It’s been passed around for decades — by realtors, friends, home improvement shows — and

it’s usually said with good intentions. But here’s the thing: Can anyone actually explain why? And more

importantly — does it still make sense today? This article breaks down where the “three bids” idea came

from, what it was supposed to accomplish, and why it might actually be giving you a false sense of

security.

Where Did the Three-Bid Rule Come From?

The idea of getting three bids started as a way to protect homeowners — especially back when: - Most

people didn’t understand home systems - The internet didn’t exist - There were fewer resources for

comparison shopping It made sense: talk to three people, get a feel for the pricing range, and avoid

getting ripped off. But back then, we were mostly comparing price — not design, code compliance,

installation quality, or long-term value.

Why It Doesn’t Work Like It Used To

Today, most quotes don’t just differ in price — they differ in scope, quality, assumptions, and even basic

math. So what exactly are you comparing? - One bid might be properly sized with a Manual J, another

might just be a guess - One might include duct repairs, the others don’t - One might follow code to the

letter, another skips permits altogether - They might all use different brands, features, and warranty terms

If you don’t know what you’re comparing, the number of bids doesn’t matter.

Multiple Bids Don’t Protect You — Understanding the Quote Does

Just because you’ve collected three quotes doesn’t mean you’re safer. In fact, it might just confuse you

more if you don’t know what to look for. Three bad quotes don’t equal one good decision. One solid,

clearly explained quote — backed by real sizing and design logic — is worth more than five mystery PDFs

and a fridge magnet.

So... Should You Get Three Bids?

You can. But don’t stop at the number — dig into the details. Why three? Why not five? Why not ten?

Because deep down, you’re not looking for quantity — you’re looking for confidence. And confidence

doesn’t come from collecting a stack of quotes you don’t fully understand. Ask yourself: - Do I understand

what this quote actually includes? - Did the contractor explain how they sized the system? - Are they

pulling permits? - Did they take time to understand my home?

Final ThoughtsIf you’re collecting bids, collect them wisely. And if you don’t feel confident comparing them — that’s where

I come in. I help homeowners understand what’s in front of them. Not just to save money — but to make

the right call. Need help reviewing your quotes? Book a Consultation And if you want to take it a step