While I recommend specific contractors for specific jobs, I always urge clients to obtain a number of quotes. 

 

During the boom years, the vast majority of clients were happy to proceed with one price from one contractor, more often than not, the one I put forward. Even where multiple quotes were obtained, nine out of ten clients reverted to my original suggestion. Fair enough really, I spent many trial and error years building trusted relationships with contractors who I know offer excellent, guaranteed services.
 

Things have changed. Nowadays, clients are savvy, cautious and prepared to hone in on the smallest detail in the hope of saving a few Euro, and contractors are now spending a far greater percentage of their time pricing projects, haggling over cents and trying to reduce their costs. Generally speaking, the market shift can seen as a positive step forward, and in the long run it should produce a more transparent, efficient and quality focused industry. In the mean time, it’s created some interesting scenarios.