Here's my take on giving a budget at bid time. I don't do it.

I would if the contractor was a friend or came highly recommended. That's about it.

Now, from a contractor standpoint, it goes both ways. I've had some jobs where they told me the budget up front and it worked out great. We were able to work out their needs and then see what 'wants' we could fit in. On the other hand, I've had some people tell me their budget up front. When my bid hit close to that budget, I got an uncomfortable feeling that the client might think I took advantage of the knowledge.

Right now I'm getting bids to build a room addition on the back of our house. I have a clear cut plan of what we want. That's what I tell the contractors. I'm getting bids all across the board. I'll find a few I liked with reasonable prices, and then start working with them on my budget.

It really is a crap shoot with contractors. There are some great companies out there, and there are some criminals. A whole lot of in-between also.