Compare Contractor Bids
Pick a trade, then fill in up to three bids. The cheapest true total is highlighted. Nothing is sent anywhere.
| Question | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total price (labor, materials, permits, tax) | |||
| License number, and checked with the state? | |||
| Insurance and workers’ comp certificates received? | |||
| What is excluded from the scope | |||
| Deposit and payment schedule | |||
| Start and finish dates | |||
| Written warranty | |||
| Notes |
How Do You Compare Contractor Bids?
Give each contractor the same written scope, then compare the total, what is excluded, materials, payment schedule, dates and warranty. Check each license and insurance certificate first. A low bid that leaves out permits, disposal or finishes can end up costing the most.
More Help
How many bids should you get?
Two or three are usually enough. Give every contractor the same plans or the same written description, so that the numbers can be compared.
Why is one bid so much cheaper?
Often because of cheaper materials, a shorter warranty, a missing permit or an item left out. Fill in every row for each contractor before you decide.
Before you sign: what a contract should say · your saved contractors · payment schedule