Getting the right number of sub bids per trade is as much about risk management as it is about price competition. Updated 2026 guidelines for major trade categories.
In Short
- Getting the right number of sub bids per trade is as much about risk management as it is about price competition. Updated 2026 guidelines for major trade categories.
The old rule was three sub bids per trade minimum. That rule was written when the sub market was less consolidated. In 2026, "three bids" for structural steel in most metros means "three bids from the same three shops" — which is not real coverage.
Trade-by-trade guidance
| Trade | Bids to solicit | Bids to accept |
|---|---|---|
| Structural steel | 5-7 | 3+ |
| Concrete | 4-6 | 3 |
| Electrical | 6-8 | 4 |
| Mechanical (HVAC) | 6-8 | 4 |
| Fire protection | 4-5 | 3 |
FAQ: Construction Bidding
Quick answers to what readers of this article most often ask.
- For most trades, no. The sub market has consolidated enough that 3 bids risks either single-source pricing pressure or bids that are effectively the same underlying shop. We recommend soliciting 4-8 depending on trade and expecting to receive real bids from 3-4.
