Is the cheapest bid really the cheapest bid?
Wonderland Lake, Boulder, CO
If you’ve ever requested multiple landscaping estimates, you’ve probably noticed that prices can vary dramatically. One contractor might quote $4,000 while another comes in at $2,200 for what appears to be the same project.
Naturally, it’s tempting to choose the lowest price.
But here’s something we’ve seen time and time again across Colorado.
A homeowner chooses the cheapest bid because it seems like the best financial decision. A few months later, they’re dealing with unfinished work, poor craftsmanship, surprise charges, or a contractor who has stopped responding altogether. Eventually, they call another company—-often us-—to inspect the damage and provide a quote to repair or complete the project.
By that point, the homeowner isn’t just paying for the project anymore. They’re paying to remove or repair work that should have been done correctly the first time. In many cases, the total cost ends up being significantly higher than the original estimate they declined.
So why does this happen?
Low Bids Don’t Always Mean Lower Costs
There are honest contractors who simply operate with lower overhead, and a lower price doesn’t automatically mean poor quality.
However, extremely low bids often happen for one of a few reasons:
The contractor underestimated the project.
Materials or labor were left out of the estimate.
The bid was intentionally priced low to win the job, with plans to charge more later through change orders.
The contractor cuts corners by skipping important steps, using lower-quality materials, or rushing the work.
The contractor isn’t properly insured or licensed where required, reducing their costs—but increasing your risk.
None of these situations are good for the homeowner.
Landscaping Isn’t Just Dirt and Rock
Whether it’s irrigation, concrete, grading, drainage, sod, or hardscaping, a quality landscape project involves careful planning, skilled labor, proper equipment, and materials that are built to last.
A well-prepared estimate should account for everything needed to complete the job—not just enough to get started.
If a price seems too good to be true, ask yourself what might be missing.
How Do You Know If You’re Getting a Good Deal?
Instead of asking, “Who’s the cheapest?” ask these questions:
Is the estimate detailed, or is it just one total price?
Does the contractor explain what materials they’ll use?
Are cleanup and debris removal included?
Is there a warranty?
Is the timeline realistic?
Are they communicating clearly and professionally?
A fair estimate isn’t always the lowest one. It’s the one that accurately reflects the work required and sets realistic expectations from the beginning.
Think Long-Term, Not Just Up Front
Every homeowner wants to save money—and that’s completely understandable.
But saving money up front doesn’t always save money in the long run.
When you invest in quality workmanship, clear communication, and honest pricing, you’re also investing in fewer surprises, fewer repairs, and a project that’s built to last.
At Mile High Sunrise LLC, we’d rather provide an honest estimate than promise a price we know isn’t realistic. Sometimes that means we won’t be the lowest bid—and we’re okay with that. We’d rather earn your trust by delivering the project we promised than win a job with a number that was never achievable.
Because at the end of the day, the cheapest bid isn’t always the least expensive decision.