Why Getting Bids Is So Difficult for Homeowners - and How Strata Helps
Nearly every homeowner has heard the advice: “Get at least three bids.” But in reality?
Most homeowners struggle to get even one or two solid bids — let alone three true apples-to-apples comparisons.
Whether your project is:
HVAC or heat pump replacement
Electrical or a panel upgrade
Flooring or carpentry
Solar installation or backup power
A remodel, addition, or a garage project
The bidding process is rarely straightforward.
This guide explains why getting multiple bids is so difficult, what risks come from relying on a single referral, and how Strata helps homeowners across Lake Oswego, West Linn, and the greater Portland area get accurate, competitive bids — with a fraction of the stress and time.
1. Most Homeowners Don’t Know Who to Call
There’s no “master list” of reliable contractors.
Homeowners usually start with:
Google searches
Asking neighbors
Asking coworkers
Posting in neighborhood apps
Trying to remember a truck they saw once
Each of these sources has limitations.
And each requires effort, outreach, and screening — without knowing if the contractor is even available.
Strata solves this by:
Using a vetted, expanding network of contractors across trades, and knowing which contractors are right for which types of projects.
2. Contractors Are Busy and May Not Respond
Portland-area contractors frequently have:
full calendars
limited bandwidth
specific project preferences
more leads than they can handle
This often results in:
calls not returned
emails unanswered
interest expressed, then no follow-through
long waits for site visits
bids promised but never sent
It’s not personal — it’s capacity.
Strata solves this by:
Coordinating with contractors efficiently, speaking their language, and making the process easy for them — resulting in faster, more reliable responses.
3. Scheduling Multiple Site Visits Is Time-Consuming
Homeowners often underestimate how much time it takes to:
contact multiple contractors
coordinate availability
be home for site visits
explain the project repeatedly
answer follow-up questions
For dual-working households (or homeowners with kids), this is exhausting.
Strata solves this by:
Handling coordination, gathering information contractors need upfront, and conducting site walkthroughs with (or without) the homeowner present.
4. Projects Vary in Appeal and Contractors Self-Filter
Some contractors prefer large remodels.
Some prefer small single-trade jobs.
Some avoid older homes.
Some only take on “clean” projects with minimal surprises.
Your project might be:
too small
too big
not in their area
outside their comfort zone
at the wrong time of year
And contractors rarely explain why they decline.
Strata solves this by:
Matching each project with the right contractors — saving homeowners from blind outreach or mismatched expectations.
5. Relying on a Friend or Neighbor’s Recommendation Is Risky
Referrals are valuable, but limited.
A contractor who did great work for:
a kitchen remodel
a deck project
a bathroom upgrade
…might not be the right fit for:
your HVAC replacement
your electrical rewire
your roof repair
your solar installation
your garage conversion
or your addition project
Referrals are based on one person’s experience, not on:
project match
pricing patterns
scheduling timelines
crew professionalism
current workload
permit knowledge
workmanship across trades
Strata solves this by:
Comparing contractor strengths, current capacity, cost patterns, communication style, and project type — giving homeowners a more complete picture.
6. Homeowners Often Stop After the First Contractor They Like
It’s human nature:
The first contractor seems good
They’re friendly and knowledgeable
They provided a quick estimate
You trust the referral who gave you their number
You’re tired of scheduling more visits
But without multiple bids:
you don’t know if pricing is competitive
you don’t know if scope is complete
you don’t know if assumptions match your project
you don’t know if their timeline works best
you don’t know what alternatives exist
you don’t know the true market cost
Strata solves this by:
Doing the legwork to collect multiple, comparable bids without adding stress to the homeowner.
7. Even When Bids Arrive, They Rarely Match
This ties directly to Guide #1 - How to Compare Contractor Bids.
Contractors often quote based on:
different interpretations of your project
different materials or equipment
different allowances (for remodels)
different installation approaches
different assumptions
different exclusions
Meaning: Even if you manage to get three bids, they often cannot be directly compared.
Strata solves this by:
Creating a clear scope upfront and reviewing each bid line-by-line so homeowners understand what each contractor is truly offering.
8. How Strata Makes the Bidding Process Easier
Regardless of project type — single contractor or multi-trade — Strata:
✓ Identifies the right contractors for your specific project
Across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, remodeling, additions, carpentry, solar, and more.
✓ Coordinates outreach, scheduling, and site visits
✓ Ensures contractors bid on the same scope
So bids align and can be compared fairly.
✓ Reviews each bid with you line-by-line
What’s included, what’s missing, and what questions to ask.
✓ Highlights cost-saving opportunities (including OFCI)
✓ Helps you understand contractor fit, timelines, and risks
✓ Saves you hours of coordination and confusion
This is one of the highest-value parts of home project management, and for many homeowners, it’s the first moment they feel real clarity.
9. When to Bring Strata Into the Process
Strata can help whether you:
haven’t contacted any contractors yet
have tried and can’t get responses
received bids that don’t match
want more bids but don’t have time
want to check fairness of pricing
want a dedicated advocate from start to finish
But the best time is before calls begin as early clarity saves significant time and money.
Conclusion
Getting multiple contractor bids isn’t as simple as “call three people.” It’s time-consuming, overwhelming, and unpredictable, especially when you don’t work in the industry.
Strata handles this work on your behalf, giving you:
clarity
competitive pricing
better scope alignment
less stress
and a trusted advocate at your side
If you’re planning a home project in Lake Oswego, West Linn, or the greater Portland area and want help gathering or comparing bids, Strata is here to help.