Why You Always Want Fixed Pricing Before You Start a Project

Ever had one of those moments when a project price jumps far higher than expected?

That’s exactly what happened recently—before starting a roofing project.

Originally, the plan called for exposed fasteners. But the homeowner wanted to explore an upgraded option—hidden fasteners. While it’s a cleaner look and offers certain advantages, it also meant a significant increase in cost—about 45% higher than the original estimate.

Because we were still in the pricing stage, this wasn’t a problem. I immediately revisited the estimate, checked every detail, and confirmed that the higher price was accurate. We could then make a fully informed decision before signing any contracts.

But imagine if that price jump happened after the project was complete—without being agreed to upfront. That would be a big problem, a big deal, and nobody would be happy.

This is exactly why fixed upfront pricing matters. A vague “guess” at the cost can come back to bite you—hard—once work is already underway or finished. By locking in the price before we start, we eliminate uncertainty and protect everyone involved.

Here’s what made this process smooth instead of stressful:

1. Revisit the numbers immediately. Don’t guess—verify.

   
   

2. Communicate openly. Both sides knew exactly what was happening, why, and what the next steps were.

   
   

3. Have a contingency plan. Factor in worst-case scenarios before work starts.

   
   

4. Lock in the schedule early. Even with the price discussion, we secured a September slot before other jobs filled it.

   
   

   

If you’re facing a major project—roofing, remodeling, or otherwise—the difference between a budget disaster and a smooth recovery often comes down to how quickly you respond and the clarity you have up front.

Pro Tip: Always get your pricing fixed in writing before work begins. It’s the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises.

My schedule fills up fast. If you want your project started before the season turns, now is the time to get it on the books. Waiting even a week could push you back months.