How Do I Know If My Estimate Is Right?
- Landon Shewmake
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
Compare Contractor Bids with Confidence
When you’re planning a home renovation or new build in East Tennessee, getting multiple estimates from contractors in Maryville, Knoxville, or surrounding areas is a smart first step. But when those bids come back, it’s natural to wonder: how do I know which estimate is right?
Many homeowners assume the lowest bid is the best deal. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. It’s common for contractors to submit low bids to win the job, only to increase the total cost later through change orders, cut corners on materials, or even abandon the project when they realize it’s unprofitable.
At BlueWing Homes, we’ve seen this scenario too many times — and we’re committed to helping East Tennessee homeowners understand what a realistic and trustworthy estimate looks like.
Why Some Contractor Bids Come in Low
A low bid isn’t always dishonest, but it’s often incomplete. Some contractors unintentionally underestimate due to inexperience, while others intentionally leave out scope items to make their bid look more attractive on paper.
Here are a few examples of what’s commonly missing from low bids:
Site prep or demolition costs
Permit fees and inspections required by Maryville or Knoxville city codes
Dumpsters and temporary toilets
Realistic allowances for your desired finish level (tile, cabinetry, fixtures, flooring)
Project-specific insurance and warranty requirements
When these items get added later, your project cost can climb well beyond what you originally budgeted.
How to Tell If Your Estimate Is Accurate
If you’ve narrowed down your choices to a few trustworthy contractors, here’s how to make sure their estimates are truly comparable:
Check the Full Scope of Work
Does each bid include all the tasks discussed in your project’s scope?
Are key items missing that could lead to costly change orders later?
Review Allowances and Finishes
Do the allowances reflect the level of quality you expect?
For example, if you’re dreaming of a high-end kitchen, make sure the cabinetry and countertop allowances are realistic.
Confirm Administrative and Logistical Costs
Does the bid include all necessary permits for Knoxville or Blount County?
Are costs like dumpsters, site cleanup, and temporary facilities included?
Evaluate How Thorough the Estimate Process Was
Did the contractor visit your property more than once to assess conditions?
Did they bring trade partners (like electricians or plumbers) to provide detailed quotes instead of rough guesses?
Look for Relevant Local Experience
Can they show you completed projects in East Tennessee similar in size, scope, and budget?
A contractor with local experience knows the true market costs and permitting processes.
Compare to Market Realities
Does the total budget make sense for current construction costs in East Tennessee?
If one bid is significantly lower than the others, it’s worth asking why.
The BlueWing Homes Difference
At BlueWing Homes, we believe a great estimate starts with honesty and ends with accuracy. Our goal is to provide budgets that land within 2–3% of the final project cost—because your home deserves precision, not surprises.
We take the time to walk each property, collaborate with our trade partners, and account for every detail—permits, materials, finishes, and logistics. That means no hidden costs, no cut corners, and no games.
When you hire a contractor, you’re not just buying a price—you’re choosing a partner you can trust to bring your vision to life.
Let’s Build Your East Tennessee Dream Home
If you’re planning a renovation or custom build in Knoxville, Maryville, or anywhere in East Tennessee, let’s talk. Our team at BlueWing Homes specializes in delivering transparent, thorough estimates—and building homes that stand the test of time.
👉 Contact BlueWing Homes today and let's discuss your vision!
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