Ever felt like your dream bathroom remodel was slipping away every time a contractor stopped responding? If you’ve been dealing with contractor ghosting—when pros vanish after giving estimates—you’re definitely not the only one scratching your head.
Why Does Contractor Ghosting Happen?
Contractor ghosting is surprisingly common these days. Many homeowners start their renovation projects full of hope, only to find that communication dries up once the estimate lands in their inbox. So what’s going on?
Here are some of the most common reasons for contractor ghosting:
- High demand: Good contractors are in short supply and often overbooked.
- Small jobs get sidelined: A simple bathroom update might not be as appealing as larger projects.
- Labor and material shortages: Rising costs and delays make scheduling unpredictable.
- Poor business practices: Some contractors just don’t prioritize communication or follow-up.
- Mismatch on expectations: If your budget or timeline doesn’t match theirs, they may move on silently.
It’s frustrating when all you want is a straight answer—or at least a “no thanks.” And if you’re in a popular area like Atwater Village (where everyone seems to be remodeling), things can get even more competitive.
Is This Just How Things Work Now?
Honestly, yes—at least for now. The pandemic-fueled boom in renovations means many reputable contractors are booked solid for months. Even “small” jobs like a 5×8 bathroom can fall through the cracks if crews are stretched thin.
But that doesn’t mean you have to settle or accept bad behavior. It just means homeowners need new strategies when navigating the maze of hiring a contractor—and some extra patience.
What Can You Do When Contractors Ghost?
If you’re tired of chasing down estimates or waiting weeks for replies that never come, there are ways to make the process smoother:
- Cast a wide net: Reach out to more contractors than you think you’ll need—some won’t reply.
- Be upfront about your budget and timeline: Clear expectations help weed out mismatches early.
- Follow up (but not forever): A polite reminder is fine; if there’s no response after two tries, move on.
- Check reviews and references: Look for feedback about reliability and communication before wasting time.
- Avoid large deposits upfront: Reputable pros don’t ask for hefty payments before work begins.
- Create a shortlist of responsive candidates: Prioritize those who reply quickly and clearly—it says a lot about their work style.
An All-Too-Common Story
One Reddit user from Atwater Village recently shared their saga: seven contractors stopped by to look at their old guest bath. Three vanished without sending estimates at all. Two sent quotes but then disappeared when it was time to schedule. One promised answers “next week” five weeks ago. The final guy jacked up his price by $8k overnight because “material costs changed.” Meanwhile, her neighbor’s kitchen reno dragged on for months while workers disappeared without explanation.
This isn’t rare—ask around any neighborhood and someone will have a similar tale about contractor ghosting (and maybe a cracked shower pan driving them nuts).
The Bottom Line: Lower Your Expectations?
So do you need to offer more money upfront or just live with things as they are? Not necessarily—but it does help to be flexible and realistic about timing and costs right now.
Most importantly: trust your gut. If someone ghosts before work starts, imagine what could happen mid-project! Finding the right pro takes time and patience—sometimes even more than picking tile or paint colors.
Has contractor ghosting slowed down your own home improvement plans? What strategies have worked (or totally flopped) for getting reliable responses?
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