3 Ways to Compare Contractor Quotes That Save You Money

Comparing contractor quotes can be a daunting and intimidating task. You don’t know the lingo, and can easily feel out of your depths when trying to make such an important decision. First, remember that you plan to hire an expert, and that expertise should be evident in their quote. Here are three ways to compare different contractor quotes that can save you a ton of money during your renovation.

1. Make Sure The Estimate Is Complete

It’s important to make sure that the estimate includes all the work you want to accomplish, and doesn’t leave anything out. Contractors will often leave off unknown costs such as replacing rotten beams or faulty electrical wires. The absence of this information can cost you a lot of money later on, so ask that the quote include an estimated price if such a thing were to occur. Use the phrase “I want a quote for the whole renovation, not half the renovation.” Getting these answers in advance will save you the agony of surprise costs during construction.

2. Make Sure You’re Comparing Apples to Apples

Contractor’s create estimates in a variety of ways so it’s important to pay close attention to the details. Many contractor quotes will include some, but not all materials, so make sure the details are clearly defined. For example, if kitchen cabinets are included, does the price include your choice of handle pulls? Soft close hinges and storage pull outs? If not, the price of the kitchen renovation may not be as good as it seems. An easy way to compare Apples to Apples is to ask that contractors only include the materials needed to get your space to unfinished sheetrock, and only the labor thereafter. You’ll buy the paint, cabinets, baseboard trim, lights, etc. and they can quote the price to install it.

3. Make Sure Everything is Itemized The Same Way

By work type, or room…but not both. If you receive one quote that itemizes the work by room, and another that itemizes it by work type (electrical, plumbing, etc.) it’s impossible to make an informed decision. Once you have a few estimates in your inbox, choose the format that makes the most sense to you, and ask that all contractors adjust their quotes to that format.

Using these tips to compare contractor quotes can help start your project off on the right foot. At Ward 5 Design, we compare hundreds of quotes per year and believe that everyone should have what they need to make an informed decision. If you need help with your renovation project, check out our services to see if we can help.