How to check a contractor quote
Accuracy starts with complete information.
A quote cannot be judged by the total alone. The written scope should make it possible to understand what labor, materials, services, and responsibilities are included. If important details are missing, the number may change later even when the original total looked competitive.
Seven items an accurate quote should address
- A specific description of the work and project boundaries
- Materials, quantities, finishes, and quality levels where applicable
- Realistic allowances for selections that are not finalized
- Clear exclusions, owner responsibilities, and contractor assumptions
- Permit, disposal, protection, cleanup, and supervision responsibilities
- A payment schedule tied to understandable project milestones
- Written procedures for changes, added work, and price adjustments
Compare the same work
If you have multiple bids, organize them around the same scope before comparing totals. One contractor may include permits, cleanup, supervision, or higher-quality selections that another contractor excluded. Those differences should be clarified before choosing a proposal.
Get an independent document review
Second Opinion Construction reviews contractor estimates, proposals, scopes, and draft contracts for homeowners nationwide. The written report identifies unclear items, possible cost risks, and questions to ask before signing.