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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to not get more than one quote?

14 replies

noskilled · 08/11/2023 14:08

DH and I are butting heads over decorating costs.

FWIW, I do all forms of mental load and arrangements for our house: so if there’s ever an issue, I will find someone reputable, arrange them coming over, sorting it out and telling DH about it. If the person comes over whilst he’s home, he won’t even greet them but stay tucked away.

I have found a decorator / labourer I like the work of. I know who they are, who their wife is, their address and social media presence. This is important because my parents had lots of work done and were scammed out of £80k+ by cowboys and liars.

This guy showed up on time, was easy to talk to and provided a quote which I’ve gone back and forth on and haggled with. I think the price is reasonable. It isn’t the cheapest but it isn’t anything outrageous. He has managed to fit me in in a week too which I’m grateful for as I want the work done ASAP (as does DH).

DH is annoyed by the price because he thinks it’s too much. DH has no skills in this area and no experience. We spent double the quote recently on a holiday, and we will spend the quote amount on another holiday in 6 weeks time. We can afford it but obviously we didn’t plan on these costs in our budgets.

DH says I need to get 2 more quotes because you “always get 3 quotes”. In principle I understand but I’m not willing to go with someone else because I don’t know anyone else to trust. I won’t use the services of the other quotes and I won’t use it to low ball the man, who has already reduced the price with some haggling. The person has work and is busy so it’s not like he’s desperate and I don’t want to disrespect him.

its ironic as DH works for himself where he is at the high end of costing but says he’s worth it and it’s his time they’re paying for.

YABU - you should get more quotes
YANBU - just go ahead if it’s reasonable and you’re happy

OP posts:
ReviewingTheSituation · 08/11/2023 14:11

If you're happy with the quote, and everything that goes with that (which you are), there's no need to waste anyone else's time getting 2 more.

Your time (calling round, making appointments, chasing the quote, reviewing the quote, querying the quote/haggling) has a value.

If he wants to get more quotes, good for him. But I'd do exactly the same as you.

EmmasDilemmas · 08/11/2023 14:11

Well surely if he wants more quotes he can get them? And explain to you how he has vetted those tradesman and confirmed the quality of the work. If he can’t be bothered to do that, he doesn’t get to decide that you should.

ItIsEverywhere · 08/11/2023 14:11

YANBU give all of your justification.
Tradespeople are increasingly hard to find/secure/trust.

Gummybear75 · 08/11/2023 14:13

It's always worth a second quote. Not always to cut cost but to see the differences in services offered and materials used.
Decorators should always use Trade paint, some will make it cheaper by using domestic paint.
If your happy to pay the quote, your happy with the business your working with and you trust them that is extremely important.
But as a compromise you could just get a second quote for DH. Cheapest isn't always better. Point out the plus points of your choice against a second quote. And maybe they'll be more expensive and put pay to the disagreement.

plumtreebroke · 08/11/2023 14:13

Tell DH he can get a couple more quotes if he wants, but you are going to use the man you trust.

nutbrownhare15 · 08/11/2023 14:13

I would tell him if he wants to get two more quotes from people who can start in 1 week time and can chase up recommendations for their work and do all the dealing with them, then to fill his boots. Basically if he doesn't like the way you do it he can take it all on himself.

MigGirl · 08/11/2023 14:16

Haha, ww got 3 quotes recently for some work. DH liked the first guy and we had recondition from neighbours (his work looks really good). But he thought it was to expensive so got 2 more quotes, yes they where cheaper but DH didn't like how they would do the job (not as good a quality). So we ended up with the recommended one anyway. I'd prefer to spend a bit more and know your going to get a good job. Was a waste of time really, although I suppose at lest DH is happy they will do it right.

Tinkerbyebye · 08/11/2023 14:18

I don’t get 3 quotes if it’s someone I know, will do a good job and is a price I think is reasonable and ready to pay

if you dh wants 3 quotes hand it all over to him

Tempnamechng · 08/11/2023 14:18

Quotes mean nothing, the quality of the work is the most important factor. You pay peanuts, you get monkeys. I wouldn't ever haggle a sole trader, I would ask them to give their best price on the original quote. If another customer comes along and offer to pay their full rate, then guess who will take priority.

easylikeasundaymorn · 08/11/2023 14:18

nutbrownhare15 · 08/11/2023 14:13

I would tell him if he wants to get two more quotes from people who can start in 1 week time and can chase up recommendations for their work and do all the dealing with them, then to fill his boots. Basically if he doesn't like the way you do it he can take it all on himself.

Exactly this. No need to even make it into am argument just agree with him. "Okay if you think we need further quotes then feel free to get some." Leave it completely in his court. If he then can't be bothered he can't complain!

fearfuloffluff · 08/11/2023 14:23

Personal recommendation is worth much more than fancy quotes.

Is it just one room? You could break the job up so he can approve or something?

easylikeasundaymorn · 08/11/2023 14:23

Either that or for an easy life just white lie to him "I spoke to soneone in work today/ i asked on MN and a few people said they got (same job) done and it cost them (amount more than your guy has quoted.)."

It might reassure him that the price is reasonable without the hassle if getting extra quotes which will almost definitely confirm your views anyway.

Blondeshavemorefun · 08/11/2023 14:40

2/3 is good so have a ball park

VestPantsandSocks · 08/11/2023 14:44

I am with your DH!
I would get at least one other quote to get a comparison.

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