****Why three random quotes often lead housing societies to the wrong decision.

In almost every housing society meeting, the same instruction is repeated: “Get three quotations.” It sounds practical and fair. But in reality, this practice often creates false confidence rather than clarity. The issue is not collecting three quotes. The issue is comparing fundamentally different scopes and assuming the lowest number means savings.

1. Different Work, Same Comparison
Vendors often quote for different levels of work. One may propose basic patch repairs, while another includes full treatment, preparation, branded materials, and warranties. Naturally, the first appears cheaper. But the price difference reflects scope, not honesty. Approving mismatched scopes often leads to repeat repairs within a short time.

2. Materials Define Lifespan
Generic terms like “painting” or “waterproofing” hide major differences in material quality. Branded systems with warranties cost more upfront but last longer. Cheaper alternatives reduce immediate cost but increase long-term expense through early failure.

3. Measurement Gaps Create Risk
Many quotations are based on unverified or inconsistent area measurements. Some are lump-sum estimates without detailed calculations. Without verified measurements, negotiations are based on assumptions rather than on governance.

4. Timelines Have Value
Timelines are rarely compared carefully. A longer project duration increases inconvenience, safety exposure, and supervision burden. Faster, structured execution has financial and operational value that pure price comparison ignores.

5. The False Comfort of “Three Quotes.”
Once three quotations are collected, committees feel that due process is complete. But if inputs are inconsistent, the comparison is flawed. This often leads to mid-project disputes, cost escalations, and member dissatisfaction.

6. The Real Solution: A Common Baseline
Effective comparison requires every vendor to quote on an identical scope, measurements, materials, and timelines. Without a standardized baseline, price comparison becomes guesswork.

Managing Committees are not meant to choose the cheapest option. They are meant to protect asset value and reduce long-term risk. The shift required is simple but critical: move from price-hunting to outcome-based decision-making.

Collecting three quotes is easy.
Collecting three comparable quotes is responsible governance.