We’ve all heard the renovation horror stories:
“Our builder charged us an extra $100,000.”
“The builder ran out of money and abandoned the job.”
Sadly, these stories are all too common. What’s worse is that many could have been avoided—right from the start. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing the cheapest quote without understanding what’s really included.
At Swanson Constructions, we’ve seen firsthand how rushing to the lowest price leads to poor outcomes. In this blog, we’ll break down why “racing to the bottom” on quotes is risky—and what you should look for to protect your budget, your timeline, and your home in Redlands Renovations.
1. The Importance of a Fixed Price Quote
When you’re planning a home renovation or extension, one of the first things you should ask is: “Is this a fixed price?”
A fixed price quote means your builder has taken the time to plan and cost every aspect of your project before construction begins. It includes site-specific conditions, trade input, materials, and labour—so there are no nasty surprises later on.
Some builders may offer cost-plus contracts, claiming it’s the “fairest” method. But cost-plus means you pay for all actual expenses as they come in, plus a margin for the builder. That might sound fine—until material prices go up, trades take longer than expected, or something needs rework.
With a fixed price contract, your builder wears that risk—not you. At Swanson Constructions, we only work on fixed pricing, because we believe clients deserve certainty and confidence throughout their build.
2. Free Quotes Come at a Hidden Cost
Getting a “free quote” for a major renovation might sound like a good deal, but here’s the truth: no one works for free.
A properly prepared quote for a renovation or home extension in Redlands can take days of work. It requires:
- Multiple site visits
- Coordination with trades
- Consultation with engineers and architects
- Detailed material and labour estimates
If a builder is offering that level of service for free, chances are they’re skipping important steps—or planning to recoup those costs elsewhere. That could mean inflated prices hidden in the build contract or worse—a rushed quote full of missing details.
Free quotes often result in unexpected costs during construction, because essential inclusions were never properly accounted for in the beginning.
3. Not All Quotes Are Apples for Apples
It’s tempting to compare quotes side by side and go with the lowest number—but unless all builders have taken the same approach, they’re not really comparable.
Think about it:
- Has the quote involved multiple site visits?
- Have trades been consulted and briefed on the job?
- Have engineering and architectural drawings been fully reviewed?
- Are demolition, site access, and temporary services included?
If the answer is “no,” then the quote probably isn’t accurate—and it’s almost guaranteed to lead to unexpected costs down the track.
At Swanson Constructions, we price thoroughly. We meet with your design team, our trusted trades, and spend time on-site to understand the full scope of work. It’s part of why we’re trusted as one of the most reliable home builders in Redlands.
4. You Get What You Pay For
Yes, the old saying is still true. A quote that looks too good to be true usually is.
The cheapest quote often comes with:
- Low-quality materials
- Inexperienced or underpaid trades
- Missed design and planning details
- Incomplete site preparation
What starts as a “great deal” can quickly become a build full of compromises—or worse, a financial disaster.
We’ve taken over jobs where clients were burned by previous builders, forced to pay extra to fix mistakes or complete unfinished work. Don’t let your project become one of those stories.
How Swanson Constructions Does It Differently
We understand that every dollar counts during a renovation—but we also know that cutting corners at the start only leads to higher costs later.
Here’s what you can expect when you build with us:
- Thorough site and trade planning before quoting
- Fixed price contracts with clear inclusions
- Open communication and no hidden fees
- A team of experienced professionals who care about quality
That’s what makes us a trusted name in Redlands renovations and custom home renovation projects across the region.
Final Thoughts: Avoid the Race to the Bottom
If you’re planning a renovation, don’t fall for the trap of the cheapest quote. Take the time to understand what’s really included, how the quote was prepared, and whether it protects you throughout the project.
At Swanson Constructions, we quote with care—because we build with care. Our goal isn’t to win jobs by being the cheapest, but to deliver homes that are well-planned, well-built, and worth every cent.
Ready to build it right the first time?
👉 Get in touch with Swanson Constructions today for a fixed-price quote and a team that’s got your back—every step of the way.
