How to Compare Contractor Estimates: A Side-by-Side Checklist

If you have two or more bids for the same home project, it can be tempting to sort them by total and choose the lowest. Pause first: estimates can describe different work, materials, assumptions, and responsibilities. A lower total may leave out work another bid includes, while a higher one may include an upgrade or a more complete scope. The Federal Trade Commission recommends getting multiple written estimates that describe the work, materials, completion date, and price—and says not to automatically choose the lowest bidder. Read the FTC’s guidance on comparing written estimates.

This guide is about comparing the bids you already have—not judging a contractor or guessing a universal “right” price. Compare the scope, not just the total. When an important detail is blank or unclear, mark it “not stated” rather than assuming it is included.

Set up a fair comparison

Put the estimates next to each other and check that they refer to the same project, locations, quantities, and requested outcome. If one contractor has not seen the same areas or conditions, note that difference. Keep each bid’s options and allowances separate from its base scope so you do not mistake an optional upgrade for required work.

Use this compact checklist on paper or in a notes app. For every row, write what Bid A says, what Bid B says, and what you still need to ask. It is also easy to print from your browser.

Side-by-side checklist

• Work included and excluded — Bid A: ___; Bid B: ___. Does each describe the same work area, tasks, finish, and exclusions? Note restoration, painting, landscaping, or other work assigned to someone else.
• Materials, equipment, and quantities — Bid A: ___; Bid B: ___. Record manufacturer, model or product line, grade, size, quantity, unit, and any assumed waste. If a model is not selected, ask what specification the price assumes.
• Labor and preparation — Bid A: ___; Bid B: ___. Compare site protection, access preparation, setup, installation steps, testing or startup, and who is responsible for each task.
• Allowances and unknown conditions — Bid A: ___; Bid B: ___. List each allowance, its amount or unit basis, what it covers, and how additional work would be priced and approved if hidden damage or another unknown is found.
• Permits and inspections — Bid A: ___; Bid B: ___. Ask who checks which permits or inspections apply, who arranges them, and whether related fees are included. Requirements depend on the project and location; the FTC notes that contract requirements vary by state.
• Removal, disposal, and cleanup — Bid A: ___; Bid B: ___. Check whether old materials, packaging, and debris are removed, where they go, and what cleanup is included at the end of the job.
• Warranties and service — Bid A: ___; Bid B: ___. Compare the actual written product or equipment warranty separately from labor/workmanship coverage. Ask about duration, exclusions, registration or maintenance conditions, and who you contact if there is a problem.
• Schedule and payment — Bid A: ___; Bid B: ___. Record the expected start and finish, what could affect timing, each payment amount and due point, and what work or materials each payment corresponds to. The FTC advises against paying the full project amount up front.
• Changes after signing — Bid A: ___; Bid B: ___. Ask how a change is proposed and approved. Request a written description of changed work, price, and schedule impact before deciding whether to proceed; contract rules vary by location.
• Questions still open — Bid A: ___; Bid B: ___. Keep missing details visible until the contractor answers in writing.

For a more general list of details to look for in one estimate, see What Should a Contractor Estimate Include?. The steps here focus on differences between bids.

Compare the details by trade

The same checklist works across projects, but a few details deserve extra attention in each trade. These are prompts for a clearer written scope, not a substitute for an on-site assessment.

Roofing

Check whether each bid uses the same roof areas and quantities, and records the proposed shingle or other roofing product. Compare tear-off, underlayment, flashing, drip edge, ventilation, disposal, and how concealed deck damage would be handled. Ask whether those items are included, excluded, or covered by an allowance. For more roofing-specific context, see how to read a roof replacement estimate.

HVAC

Compare the proposed indoor and outdoor equipment model numbers, capacity, efficiency, matched components, included accessories, duct work, permits, startup, and removal of existing equipment. Ask each contractor how the system size was selected and whether the bid includes airflow checks and system setup. ENERGY STAR recommends sizing from the home’s actual characteristics rather than a rule of thumb, and suggests asking about airflow, refrigerant charge, and duct evaluation as part of quality installation. See ENERGY STAR’s HVAC quality-installation guidance. For a deeper quote review, read Is My HVAC Quote Too High?.

Plumbing

Compare the exact fixture, pipe, or equipment being repaired or replaced; the location and extent of work; access or excavation; included shutoffs and connections; testing; and any patching or restoration after access is closed. If the problem is not fully visible yet, compare the allowance and approval process rather than treating uncertain work as a fixed included amount. Our plumbing estimate guide covers access, restoration, and unknown conditions in more detail.

When the totals are not comparable

Suppose one roofing estimate includes tear-off and disposal while another does not state either item. The two totals do not yet represent the same scope. Ask both contractors to clarify those items and, if needed, provide a revised written estimate using the same assumptions. Do not fill in the missing cost with a guess.

The same applies when equipment models, quantities, preparation, allowances, permits, cleanup, or warranty coverage differ. Make a short list of included items, excluded items, optional upgrades, and unresolved questions before weighing the prices. The lowest total is not automatically the best value, and a higher total is not automatically better; compare the documented work and terms that matter to your project.

Questions to ask before signing

• “Could you confirm in writing which work and materials are included in this total, and what is excluded?”
• “Which quantities and product or equipment models does this price assume?”
• “How are allowances or concealed conditions priced, and will I review a written change before added work starts?”
• “Who handles any required permits, inspection coordination, removal, and cleanup?”
• “What is covered by the product warranty, and what separate labor or workmanship coverage applies?”
• “What does each payment correspond to, and what written terms apply if the schedule or scope changes?”

The FTC’s consumer guidance on written estimates and contracts recommends written details for work, materials, price, dates, and promises made about scope and costs. Local requirements differ, so use this checklist to surface questions—not as a statement of legal requirements.

Want a second opinion?

Start with BidCheck’s free estimate scan for price positioning, a basic scope summary, three potential issues, and a basic confidence level. If you want to compare up to three estimates side by side, BidCheck Pro is $59 one-time. Review what is included and decide whether it fits what you need.

Keep estimate documents and customer information private. This guide uses no customer examples, and you do not need to publish or share an estimate to use the checklist.

Informational guidance only

BidCheck provides informational estimate analysis. It is not a guarantee of market pricing, a professional inspection, engineering or legal advice, insurance adjusting, or contracting services. Costs and scope depend on the property, project conditions, local market, materials, labor, access, schedule, and contractor terms. Ask qualified professionals about site-specific technical or safety questions.

Browse all BidCheck estimate guides.