How to Compare Contractor Quotes
Three quotes for the same job can differ by thousands of dollars and still all be fair, because they rarely describe the same work. Use this checklist to put quotes on equal footing before you pick one.
Get quotes on the same scope
Write down exactly what you want done and give every contractor the same list. Ask each to quote that scope, with any recommended extras priced separately. Otherwise you end up comparing a full tear-off to an overlay, or 16 SEER2 to 14 SEER2.
Insist on line items
A useful quote lists materials with brand and grade, labor, permits, disposal, and any allowances. A single lump sum hides what you are paying for and makes change orders easy to inflate.
| Item | Guidance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Brand, product line, quantity | Same grade across quotes? |
| Labor | Crew, days, who does the work | Subcontracted or in-house? |
| Permits and inspections | Included and pulled by contractor | Never skip these |
| Disposal | Dumpster, haul-away | Often a hidden extra |
| Warranty | Workmanship and manufacturer, in writing | Years and what is covered |
| Payment schedule | Deposit, progress, final | Large deposits are a red flag |
Check the things that are not on the page
License and insurance (ask for certificates and verify them). References from jobs like yours in the past year. How long the company has operated under its current name. Whether the person quoting is the person managing the job.
Read the lowest quote most carefully
A quote far below the others usually leaves something out: permits, disposal, decking replacement, a proper base. Ask what happens if hidden problems appear and how those are priced.
Use our calculators as a sanity check
Our cost calculators give a national range for a standard job. If every quote lands far above it, ask what is unusual about your project. If one lands far below, ask what is missing.
Common questions
How many quotes should I get?
Three is a good number. It shows the range without dragging out the decision.
Should I always take the cheapest quote?
No. The cheapest is often missing scope. Compare like for like, then weigh reputation and warranty.
Is it normal to pay a deposit?
A modest deposit to cover materials is common. Paying most of the job up front is not.