You asked three contractors for a price and got three very different numbers. Before you pick the lowest one, find out whether they're even pricing the same job.
Why this is free: I've been the contractor giving the bid and the home inspector looking at the work afterward. Most of the trouble between homeowners and contractors starts with a bid nobody really understood. This tool is here to help you head that off. No sign-up needed.
— Jack A. Ross, in the construction trade since 1983 as a contractor, handyman and private home inspector
Enter each contractor's name and price.
Go down the list and mark what each bid includes. If a bid doesn't say, mark it "Not sure."
See the real totals, the gaps, and the questions to ask each contractor before you sign.
Private: your bids stay on your phone or computer. Nothing you type in the tool is sent to us. The only thing that ever reaches us is your email, and only if you ask for the worksheet below.
Your bids
Leave the third one blank if you only have two.
Side by side
Questions to ask before you sign
Everything you marked "Not sure," plus anything that needs a closer look. A good contractor won't mind any of these.
This tool doesn't judge whether a price is fair. It helps you make sure you're comparing the same job. Prices vary a lot by area, materials and season.
Get the printable worksheet
Want a paper copy to take to the kitchen table? The Bid Comparison Worksheet and First-Call Question List are free. No sign-up needed.
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Please read: This tool is general education to help you organize and compare contractor proposals. It does not evaluate whether a price is fair, whether a contractor is qualified, or whether a contract is legally sufficient, and it is not legal or financial advice. Licensing, deposit limits, permit rules and contract laws vary by state and locality. Verify licenses and insurance with the issuing agencies, check local permit requirements, and talk with an attorney in your state about contracts and liens.