Unlocked: 3 contractor grades · true-cost math · 5 dollar-valued scope gaps · the questions to ask before signing
Our recommendation
Contractor B
Most complete scope of the three bids — itemized allowances, permits and electrical included, realistic timeline. Once missing scope is priced into the other bids, Contractor B is the lowest true cost.
Contractor A looks $6,650 cheaper on paper, but the bid leaves out electrical rough-in, cabinet installation labor, permits, and debris hauling. Priced realistically, it becomes the most expensive path. Get Contractor A to re-quote with the missing items in writing, or proceed with Contractor B after confirming the cabinet allowance.
Contractor AC+64/100
True cost
$24,800 quoted + $7,650 missing scope + $2,400 risk = $34,850
Scope gaps
criticalElectrical rough-in and panel work — no line item, and the bid says "electrical by others" · $3,400
criticalCabinet installation labor — cabinets are quoted supply-only · $2,800
majorPermit and inspection fees — not mentioned anywhere in the bid · $850
minorDebris hauling and disposal · $600
Lowest sticker price of the three, but the scope is the thinnest: 11 line items versus 31 in the most detailed bid. Two of the four gaps are critical-path work you cannot skip, so this money gets spent either way — the only question is whether you see it before you sign.
Ask them
- Who pulls the permits, and is the fee included in your price?
- Your bid says "electrical by others" — can you re-quote with a licensed electrician included?
- Cabinets are listed supply-only. What does installation labor add?
- What exactly does your $40/sq ft tile allowance cover — materials only, or materials and labor?
Email these questions to Contractor AOpens your own email app with the questions filled in. Add their address and send it yourself.
Contractor BA-88/100
True cost
$31,450 quoted + $450 missing scope + $600 risk = $32,500
Scope gaps
minorAppliance hookup and final connections — assumed but not itemized · $450
Most complete scope of work: itemized allowances with brands and quantities, permits and electrical included, demolition through final cleanup all priced. Mid-priced as quoted, lowest true cost once missing scope is added to the other bids.
Ask them
- Can you confirm the cabinet brand and series from the allowance in writing?
- Is appliance hookup included in the finish plumbing line, or billed separately?
- What is your lien-waiver schedule for the three progress payments?
Email these questions to Contractor BOpens your own email app with the questions filled in. Add their address and send it yourself.
Contractor CB76/100
True cost
$38,900 quoted + $800 risk = $39,700
Nothing missing — the most thorough scope on paper, with a dedicated project manager and a 5-year workmanship warranty. But it runs roughly 20% above the comparable complete bid for the same scope of work, and the premium is spread across line items rather than tied to upgraded materials.
Ask them
- Which line items account for the difference versus a mid-priced complete bid — materials, labor rates, or overhead?
- Does the 5-year warranty cover subcontractor work (electrical, plumbing) or only your own crews?
- Would you price-match a written competing scope if the line items are equivalent?
Email these questions to Contractor COpens your own email app with the questions filled in. Add their address and send it yourself.
Next step · optional
You compared 3 bids on this project. Most homeowners collect 3–5 — Project Pass covers the whole job (up to 5 trades of 5 bids each) against local market pricing, re-runs when bids get revised, and exports PDF/Excel. $39, one time. It is a separate purchase; your files and this report are not automatically added.
See the Project Pass →A comparison also comes with a one-page board summary PDF, for owners or a condo board. See a sample board summary
