Sample issue

Hi there,

This issue's quote line: the "allowance"

A reader sent us a bathroom quote with a line that said "Tile allowance: $4 per sq ft". The tile she loved cost $11. On 260 square feet, that's about $1,800 more than the quote suggested.

An allowance is a placeholder for something you'll choose later. It isn't a trick, but it's easy to miss. When you see one:

1. Ask what the allowance actually buys at the store the contractor uses.
2. Price your favorite option yourself before you sign.
3. Ask whether installation changes for the option you want (large tiles can cost more to lay).

Full guide: How to read a contractor quote, line by line.

This weekend's cheap job

Clean your gutters and make sure each downspout empties at least 4 to 6 feet from the house. Water pooling at the foundation is behind some of the most expensive repairs we hear about.

Program note

Many city home repair programs open new application rounds in the fall and winter. Call 211 and ask which ones serve your address. You should never pay a fee to apply.

Here's to fair prices,
Affordable Home Assistance