How Many Quotes Should You Get Before Hiring?
Find out how many quotes are enough for small, medium and large jobs, how to ask for them fairly and when more quotes stop being useful.
The advice you hear most often is "get three quotes". It is a decent rule of thumb, but it is not a law, and following it blindly can waste time on small jobs while under-protecting you on large ones. The right number depends on the size, risk and complexity of the work.
Why multiple quotes help
Quotes do more than find the lowest price. A few offers allow you to:
- See the typical range for your type of job.
- Spot outliers that are very high or suspiciously low.
- Notice differences in approach, such as one provider recommending a different material.
- Judge communication and professionalism before committing.
One quote gives you a number but no context. Two give you a comparison. Three give you a sense of the middle.
A sensible number by job size
Small jobs (under a few hours)
For hanging shelves, a simple repair or a one-off clean, one good offer from a well-reviewed provider is often enough. If it feels pricey, ask one more. Time spent chasing several quotes can cost more than the potential saving.
Medium jobs (a day or several days)
For redecoration, a bathroom refit of fittings only, or a garden overhaul, aim for two to three quotes. This is where the "rule of three" earns its place.
Large or high-risk jobs
For structural work, extensions or anything costing thousands, get three or more, and also invest time in checking credentials, insurance and references. See questions to ask before hiring.
When more quotes stop helping
Past four or five quotes, returns diminish quickly. You spend more time comparing, providers become less willing to put effort into detailed offers, and you can become paralysed. If your quotes cluster in a similar range, further quotes are unlikely to tell you much.
How to ask for quotes fairly
Providers invest time in quoting, particularly if a visit is involved. Be respectful of that:
- Send the same brief to everyone. This makes your comparison valid. See how to write a job brief.
- Tell them you are comparing. It is honest and normal.
- Respond promptly, even with a "no thank you". A short courtesy message helps them manage their diary.
- Do not share one provider's price with another to squeeze a discount. Negotiating honestly is fine (see how to negotiate politely), but passing figures around damages trust.
Reading a set of quotes
When the offers arrive:
- Check scope first. Are they all pricing the same work?
- Note the range. If three offers are close and one is far below, treat the outlier with curiosity, not excitement.
- Look at the explanation. Quotes with detail often indicate someone who has thought about the job.
- Consider availability and communication, not only price.
A quote that is lowest but silent on key details may end up costing more. See why the cheapest quote is not always best.
Do you need quotes at all?
For recurring or urgent work, it may not be practical. If you have a provider you trust from previous jobs, asking them directly may be sensible, and a long-term relationship often leads to fairer treatment on both sides. See building a long-term relationship with a provider.
In genuine emergencies, you may have no time to compare. Even so, ask what the call-out and hourly charges are before agreeing, and get confirmation in writing if you can.
Using a marketplace
On a marketplace such as Compito, you can send requests to local providers searched by postcode and receive offers you can review in one place. That makes it easier to gather the two or three offers you need without repeating yourself or losing track of who said what.
A worked example
You need a garden fence replaced. Three offers arrive at a typical £900, £1,050 and £1,150. The middle and top offers are detailed, include removal of old panels and name the type of timber. The lowest does not mention waste and uses a lighter grade. You now know the likely range, you have seen two thoughtful approaches and you can ask the lowest provider whether the gaps are deliberate. Three was enough here; a fourth quote would probably have added little.
Adjusting for the market
Demand varies: in busy seasons, you may get fewer replies, and good providers may be booked for weeks. If only one or two offers arrive, do not lower your standards to hit a number. Instead, widen your search area slightly, relax your date, or ask for a call to clarify.
Quote fatigue and how to avoid it
- Write the brief once and reuse it, so every provider sees the same information.
- Set a response deadline, such as a few days, then decide.
- Keep a short table: price, what is included, date, impression.
- Stop when you can say which one you prefer and why.
Quotes and inspections
Some work, such as roofing or major repairs, genuinely needs a visit. Many providers will offer a site visit for free and some will charge. Ask in advance, and be considerate about how many visits you ask for. For the final choice, see how to compare quotes side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is it fine to accept the first quote if it seems fair?
Yes, for small jobs, provided you have checked reviews and the scope is clear. For larger jobs, a comparison gives you more confidence.
Do I have to accept the cheapest?
No. Price is one factor among several, including reliability, communication and relevant experience.
Should I get quotes for every small job?
No. Use judgement. For routine low-cost tasks, a reputable provider and a clear scope are often enough.