It's common wisdom that we should get three estimates and take the lowest bid. That's just being an intelligent consumer, right? But I would argue that the lowest bid is rarely the best choice.
Now if the item is the product of mass manufacture -- a car, for example -- that's different. I'm talking about hiring someone to do a job that requires skill. Skill levels can vary from beginner to expert. People with superior skills expect to be paid more, and you can't blame them for that.
Some years ago a relative of mine was in a minor car accident. His car needed to be repaired and repainted. He got several bids, played the body shops off against each other, and haggled the lowest one down even lower. He was pleased with himself for saving so much money!
Then he got the car back, and he was unhappy with the paint job. It annoyed him every day, for as long as he had that car. Years.
If your project is something that matters to you, that you will have to live with for a long time, it's more important to get it done properly than to save a few bucks.
By all means, ask around for referrals and get three estimates. Usually one of the three won't show up at all, or they do show up but then have to be reminded several times before coming up with the estimate. That person is going to be too busy (or perhaps too disorganized) to get the work done in a timely manner.
Then go with your instinct and hire the one you think will be good to work with and do an outstanding job for you. If that's the low bid, great! But cost shouldn't be the determining factor.
To quote Benjamin Franklin, "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."
