Understanding Bids

Why the bid amount you see may not be the final price — and how to get more accurate bids.

Why isn't this bid the final price?

Contractors on ONP submit bids based on the information you provide in your project posting — description, photos, files, location, and any messages exchanged. They have not physically inspected your property.

A few realities of contractor bidding:

• Hidden conditions exist. Rotted decking under a roof, outdated wiring inside a wall, soft subfloor under tile — none of these show up in photos. They can only be discovered on-site.
• Contractors protect themselves. A contractor who drastically underbids loses money on the job. To avoid that, many include allowances or contingencies for the most likely "worst case." This protects them — and it means honest contractors may bid higher than someone planning to come back and ask for change orders.
• Materials and labor fluctuate. Lumber, copper, asphalt, and other materials can move significantly between the bid date and the work start date.
• Scope changes happen. If you change your mind about a finish, add a feature, or expand the work, pricing changes.

How can I get more accurate bids?

Request an ONP Inspector. For a flat fee, a qualified inspector visits the property and prepares a detailed report — measurements, photos, condition notes, and any issues a contractor should know about. This report is shared with bidding contractors and almost always results in:

• Tighter, more competitive bids (less padding needed)
• Fewer surprises after work begins
• A stronger basis for holding a contractor to their number

For larger projects, the inspection fee typically pays for itself many times over in bid accuracy.

Does ONP guarantee the bid amount?

No. ONP is a platform that connects clients and contractors. We do not set prices, guarantee bids, or become a party to your agreement with the contractor. Any binding price commitment must come from a written contract between you and the contractor.

What should I do before awarding a bid?

• Review all bids alongside the contractor's credentials, license status, and insurance details.
• Check whether any RFIs (contractor questions) were answered — unanswered questions often lead to inaccurate bids.
• Consider scheduling a brief phone or in-person conversation with your top candidate before awarding, especially on larger projects.
• Once you award, get a written contract that specifies the price, scope, any allowances or contingencies, and a change-order procedure.