18/05/2026
Contractors… we need to have an uncomfortable conversation.
The race to the bottom is becoming a bigger problem than the storms.
Lowball estimates aren’t just hurting profit margins anymore — they’re changing expectations. When scopes are intentionally stripped down to beat the next guy, it starts impacting perceived "industry standard pricing" across platforms like Xactimate, Verisk, and the data that carriers and others rely on.
We’re seeing estimates with things conveniently disappearing:
❌ Missing drip edge
❌ Reusing rusted or damaged flashings
❌ Leaving off required accessories
❌ Ignoring code upgrades
❌ Underestimating labor and material quantities
❌ “We’ll figure it out later” scopes
Then the contractor who actually writes for complete, code-compliant work gets told:
"The other estimate came in way lower."
"That seems expensive."
"Another contractor said none of that was needed."
Here's the problem: roofs aren’t cheaper to build correctly. Siding systems didn’t suddenly stop needing proper accessories. Flashings don’t magically become reusable because someone wants to win a bid.
And when enough contractors normalize incomplete scopes, it starts affecting everyone — homeowners, claim expectations, pricing trends, and the contractors trying to do things the right way.
Winning jobs by removing necessary line items isn’t efficiency. It’s creating a long-term industry problem.
A lower price doesn't automatically equal a better contractor. Sometimes it just means somebody left things off.
Curious what everyone else is seeing out there:
Are you noticing more stripped-down scopes and "price first, details later" estimates lately?
Send a message to learn more
