Getting a quote for work - help!

[thesnailandthewhale]

This probably sounds completely bonkers but I have someone coming round at 10 to give me a quote for sorting some rendering and painting the outside walls. I'm assuming he will look at the walls and give me a rough price - it is the first quote I have got so I have no ballpark figure in mind even. Is it normal to say that I am getting other quotes and need to save for the work to be done? I don't want to agree to anything yet but don't want them to think I'm wasting their time either? Sorry I find these interactions quite awkward so any hints or tips would be appreciated!

You don’t need to say anything really. I would get 2/3 quotes and personal recommendation is always advisable.

I wouldn't mention needing to save for the work, but saying "I'm getting some other quotes, so will be in touch once I've got all of them back" is standard. And then if you don't decide to go with him, I wouldn't bother contacting him. I only ever get back in touch with the one I've picked to do the work.

We've not long had a small patch of rendering done and it cost 2.5k if I remember rightly.

Say "thank you very much, I'll be in touch". 2-3 quotes is standard. Get it in writing before agreeing to anything.