Unpaid estimates across town are the most expensive habit in this trade. A two-minute phone call fixes most of it.

What exactly is happening?

If they cannot describe the problem, ask for a photo. Photos sort the real jobs from the tyre kickers fast.

When do you need it done?

"Sometime this year" and "before Friday" are different businesses. Book the second one first.

Who else is looking at it?

Three bids is fine, you just want to know. It tells you whether to compete on speed or on trust.

Does a range in this neighbourhood work for you?

Give a ballpark on the phone. Sticker shock in a driveway wastes an hour you will never bill.