Three price totals are not enough to compare bids. Two contractors can appear thousands apart because they are not bidding on the same materials or work.
Write one common scope
Describe the rooms and surfaces, what is removed, what stays, materials and finish level, site access and expected work hours.
Send the same scope and drawings to each bidder. Invite them to highlight anything they believe was missed.
Compare what is included
Ask whether demolition, dust containment, disposal, materials, labour, plumbing/electrical coordination, protection, cleanup, permits, inspections and taxes are included.
Mark every unchecked item as unknown until clarified in writing—not as free or automatically excluded.
Identify allowances and changes
For fixtures and finishes that are not selected, ask what dollar allowance is included and what happens if the chosen item costs more.
Request the procedure for written change orders and approve changes before work proceeds.
Assess more than price
Ask about insurance, relevant licensing, local references, schedule availability, payment milestones, warranties and who supervises subcontractors.
A low quote with unclear scope can become more expensive after change orders.
Keep one clean comparison
Use the free contractor quote tool to compare up to three bids and print an itemized follow-up sheet.
Do not enter personal or financial information into the quote calculator unless you are comfortable storing it on your own device.
Save or print this checklist
These checkboxes are a printable session checklist and are not stored permanently.
Further reading
Next: open your home project planner or estimate materials with the free calculators.
Published 2026-10-15. General planning guidance; local requirements and manufacturers’ instructions take precedence.