How to Avoid Underbidding—Lessons from the Field

Underbidding a project is every contractor’s nightmare. I learned that the hard way on a recent job—we came in $300,000 over budget.

What went wrong?

• I missed key details in the drawings.

• I didn’t ask enough questions about finishes.

• I underestimated material costs.

The fix?

1. Slow down. Don’t rush bids.

2. Ask detailed questions:

• Do you want full-height tile?

• Are we including radiant heat?

• What’s the scope for outdoor spaces?

3. Refine your process. After every project, document mistakes and update your checklist.

Construction is complex, but systems help. Learn from every bid, every mistake, and build a process that gets better over time.