How to Compare Contractor Quotes
Look beyond the total. Compare the scope, materials and assumptions so you can choose with confidence.
Luca Tozzini · Oct 26, 2026
You've described your project and the quotes are arriving. Before you choose, check that each contractor is pricing the same job. A lower total is hard to interpret when one proposal includes finishing work and another leaves it out.
Start with the scope
Put the proposals side by side and highlight what each includes. Look for preparation, removal of old materials, installation, finishing and cleanup. Ask about anything that appears in one quote but is missing from another.
For example, “paint the living room” could mean a fresh coat on the walls or a fuller job that includes ceilings, trim and surface preparation. Ask each contractor to describe the work in writing.
Compare the details
Use this checklist to organise your questions:
| Item | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Materials | Which products, finishes and quantities are included? |
| Preparation | Are protection, removal and surface repairs included? |
| Labour | Who will carry out the work, and what tasks are covered? |
| Timing | What start date and duration are being proposed? |
| Cleanup | Who removes waste and leaves the space ready to use? |
| Exclusions | What would need a separate price? |
Make assumptions visible
A contractor may need to see the property before confirming a price. Ask which parts of the proposal are provisional, what still needs inspecting and how any changes would be agreed.
If you change your plans, send the same updated description to everyone you're comparing. Keeping a single version of the brief makes the responses easier to understand.
Choose with the whole project in mind
Consider how clearly each contractor answers questions, whether their experience fits the job and how well their availability suits you. Ask for a written description of the agreed work before making your decision.
Still need quotes? Tell me about your job in your own words. I'll ask the questions contractors need, find local contractors and collect their estimates for you to compare. You don't need a finished brief to get started, and the choice of who to hire stays with you.
