Why Changing the Quote Is the Industry's Dirty Secret, and Why I Refuse to Play That Game

By Nikola Stokanic

OVERVIEW

Nikola Stokonic, a respected home builder and remodeler, calls out a major red flag in the industry: contractors changing quotes after the deal is signed. He believes it’s unprofessional, and unfair to clients. Builders should price accurately from the start, plan thoroughly, and never make clients pay for their mistakes.

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Nikola Stokanic

Why Changing the Quote Is the Industry's Dirty Secret, and Why I Refuse to Play That Game

Nikola Stokanic
Architect and Interior Designer

Let’s talk about something that too many people in this industry sweep under the rug, changing the quote after the deal is signed.

You’ve probably seen it. Or worse, lived it.


 

A contractor gives you a quote for $100,000. 
You plan your budget. 
You prepare emotionally, financially, logistically.

 

Then a few weeks in: boom, they “discover something” and raise the price to $115,000. And then again… $130,000. And then maybe again.

 

You’re left wondering if you’re being taken for a ride or if your house was secretly sitting on top of a volcano.



 

Here’s the truth:

It’s not always about unforeseen problems.
Many times, it’s bad math, bad planning, or worse — bad ethics.

Why This Happens — and Why It Shouldn’t

This price-hiking habit has become so common, it’s almost expected. But just because “everyone does it” doesn’t make it right.

 

As a professional, your quote is your word. It’s your handshake. Your reputation. If you can’t stand by your numbers, then maybe you shouldn’t be in this business.

 

There are market shifts. There are surprises. But if you’re experienced, you know how to factor in risk, supply chain fluctuations, material surges, and labor trends before you send that proposal. You build a buffer. You build a system. That’s your job. The client’s job is not to pay for your lack of preparation.

Here’s how it usually plays out:
 You get two quotes. One company seems cheaper, so you go with them. Looks like a win, until the work starts. Suddenly, there are “unexpected” fees, price hikes, and add-ons. Before you know it, you’re paying more than the original company you thought was too expensive. And now, it’s too late to switch. Classic bait-and-switch, and you're stuck.

The Real Cost of Moving the Goalposts

Changing the pricing mid-project doesn’t just cost clients money, it costs the industry its trust.

 

  • It breaks client relationships.
  • It kills repeat business.
  • It destroys referrals.
  • It paints all of us — even the honest ones — with the same dirty brush.

 

This is more than a money problem. It’s a culture problem. It’s a professionalism problem.

What Transparency Looks Like

Here’s how we do it at Nikola Stokanic Company:


 

1. We ask the right questions.

We dig deep into the scope before we touch the calculator.

 

2. We do the math — all of it.

Labor, materials, timing, permits, possible delays — it’s baked into the price.


 

3. We give realistic timelines and cost breakdowns.

If we say $100K-it’s $100K. Unless you change the scope, not us.


 

4. We educate the client.
So you know what you’re paying for and why.


 

5. We own our mistakes.
If something was missed on our end, we fix it on our dime. Not yours.

 

This isn’t some fairy-tale. This is how business should be done.

Sarah Johnson

1 Week Ago

Denver Home Reshape transformed our dark, unused basement into a beautiful home theater that our whole family loves. The attention to detail and professionalism was outstanding. They finished on time and within budget.

Let’s Lead With Better

The future of home building and remodeling doesn’t belong to the fast-talkers and fine-print tricksters.

 

It belongs to builders who plan better, price smarter, and put honesty first.
And that’s where I stand.

 

At Nikola Stokanic NG Home Builders and Denver Home Reshape remodeling companies, we don’t play games with numbers. We don’t believe in surprises — unless it’s a ribbon-cutting day and your space is finally ready to shine.

 

So if you’re tired of feeling burned, nickel-and-dimed, or left in the dark — know this:


 

There’s still a way to build that doesn’t come with headaches.
There’s still a way to do it right.
 There’s still a builder who treats your home — and your wallet — with respect.

Sarah Johnson

1 Week Ago

Denver Home Reshape transformed our dark, unused basement into a beautiful home theater that our whole family loves. The attention to detail and professionalism was outstanding. They finished on time and within budget.

Let’s reshape the future of this industry:
one honest remodeling project at a time.

And if you’re ready to start, you’ll be in good hands here.

 

– Nikola Stokanic
Home Builder in Tampa Florida. Problem-Solver. Advocate for Transparency.

 

And someone who still believes a handshake should mean something.

Nikola Stokanic Home Remodeling and Design Services in Denver

1. Full Home Remodeling – Denver
Complete interior and exterior renovation, from demo to final touches.


 

2. Kitchen Remodeling – Denver
Custom cabinetry, countertop upgrades, layout reconfigurations, and appliance installs.

 

3. Bathroom Renovation – Denver
Modern upgrades, walk-in showers, soaking tubs, and heated floors.

 

4. Basement Finishing – Denver
Turn unused space into livable areas: gyms, guest rooms, or entertainment zones.


 

5. Interior Design & Space Planning
Functional, human-centered layouts with timeless material selections.


 

6. ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Construction
Build rental units, guest suites, or backyard offices with permit support.

 

7. Custom Home Building
From blueprint to build—your dream home, built from scratch.

 

8. Room Additions
Expand your home with new bedrooms, sunrooms, or garage conversions.

 

9. Home Exterior Makeovers
Curb appeal upgrades including new siding, stucco, stonework, and facades.

 

10. Window & Door Replacement
Energy-efficient installations with custom fit and design.

 

11. Roof Replacement & Repairs
Shingle, tile, flat roofs. Storm damage repair and insurance support.


 

12. Outdoor Living Spaces – Denver
Patios, decks, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits.

 

13. Fire & Water Damage Restoration
Full restoration with mold remediation and structural drying.

 

14. Commercial Buildouts
Restaurants, offices, retail—custom tenant improvements and ADA compliance.

 

15. Electrical Upgrades
Panel upgrades, smart systems, and full rewiring for safety and code.

 

16. HVAC Installation & Ductwork
Energy-efficient systems with improved airflow and climate control.

 

17. Flooring Installation
Hardwood, LVT, tile, and polished concrete—durable and design-matched.

 

18. Demolition & Site Prep
Selective demo with permits, debris removal, and site leveling.

 

19. Post-Construction Cleanup
Final deep clean to make the property move-in ready.

 

20. Staging & Pre-Sale Renovations
Quick, budget-smart updates that boost resale value and visual impact.

READ TIME

5 mins

CATEGORY

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Nikola Stokanic

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