I recently had my home measured for blinds. I got a quote from one contractor, and took it to a second one. The second one offered me the same windows at almost half the price (basing the quote off the first one’s measurements). This was a no brainer.

The second contractor then went out and gave me their official measurements and a formal quote. This one came in halfway between the original quote. To recap:

• Bid one: $1500
• Bid two: $750
• Revised bid two: $1000

Turns out the difference came from having two custom cut/designed blinds for two windows that I assumed would not get blinds due to their location/size. Naturally, I realized this after placing the order, and now must go and work on getting the refund. But the question it raises – how thoroughly do you verify estimates and work? Especially when it’s for something you don’t really have any level of expertise in?