Quote planning
How to Compare Contractor Quotes: A Checklist
Compare contractor quotes line by line on the same written scope. Check what each bid includes for demolition, materials, allowances, permits, and cleanup, then compare payment schedule, change-order terms, insurance, and timeline. The lowest total is often the bid with the most left out.
Open the contractor quote comparison calculatorStart with one written scope
Bids can only be compared if they price the same job. Write a one-page scope before you call anyone: the rooms, the tasks, the finish level, and who supplies fixtures and materials. Give every contractor the same page and ask for an itemized quote.
The comparison checklist
Put each quote through the same eight checks and note the differences.
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Scope | Every task from your written scope appears in the quote |
| Allowances | Realistic dollar amounts for tile, fixtures, flooring, and hardware |
| Demolition and disposal | Haul-away, dumpster, and dump fees are included |
| Permits | Who pulls permits and whether fees are in the price |
| Payment schedule | Modest deposit, payments tied to milestones, final holdback |
| Change orders | Written price and signature required before extra work |
| License and insurance | Active license, liability, and workers compensation certificates |
| Timeline and warranty | Start date, duration, and workmanship warranty in writing |
Adjust the bids before comparing totals
Add back anything a bid left out. If one quote carries a $1,500 tile allowance and the tile you want costs $3,000, that bid is really $1,500 higher. If another excludes painting, add what painting will cost.
Then add a contingency of 10 to 15 percent for surprises behind walls and under floors. The quote comparison calculator does this math and shows the spread between your bids.
Red flags
Any one of these is a reason to slow down and ask more questions.
- A price far below the other bids with no clear explanation
- A large cash deposit requested before materials or work
- Pressure to sign today or a price that expires immediately
- No written contract, or a refusal to itemize
- No proof of license or insurance
- A suggestion to skip permits to save money
- Give every contractor the same written scope and ask for itemized quotes.
- Add back missing scope and low allowances before comparing totals.
- Hold a 10 to 15 percent contingency and tie payments to milestones.
Run the numbers
The Contractor Quote Comparison Calculator applies this math to your own measurements and shows each step. Best when bids look close but allowances, deposits, and change-order risk are different.