How to Get (and Actually Compare) Multiple Contractor Quotes

How to Get and Compare Multiple Contractor Quotes

Getting 3 quotes is universally recommended. But if all 3 are comparing different scope, different materials, and different timelines — you can't actually compare them. Here's a system.

Step 1: Write Your Own Scope of Work

Before contacting contractors, write a simple scope document:

What you want done (specific)

Materials preferences (brand if you have one)

Timeline expectations

Any existing conditions (old materials to remove, permits needed)

Hand this to every contractor so they're all quoting the same project.

Step 2: Get 3 Quotes — Not 1, Not 10

1 quote: You have no idea if it's fair.

2 quotes: Still hard to judge — one outlier and you can't tell which.

3 quotes: Sweet spot. Establishes a range.

10 quotes: Wastes your time and the contractors' time. Signals you're a tire-kicker; some will decline to quote.

Step 3: Don't Just Look at the Bottom Line

The cheapest bid is not always the best deal. Evaluate:

What's included:

Is demo/tear-off included?

Is permit cost included?

Is cleanup and haul-away included?

What brand/grade of materials?

Timeline:

Start date (not "ASAP" but a specific date)

Completion date

Payment schedule:

Deposits over 30% are a red flag

Milestone-tied payments are best

Warranty:

What's the labor warranty?

Are manufacturer warranties passed through?

Step 4: Ask Each Contractor the Same Questions

Standardize your evaluation:

"What's your license number? Can I verify it?"

"Do you carry general liability? Can you send a certificate?"

"Who specifically will be on the job daily?"

"Have you done this type of work in Austin before?"

Step 5: Check References

Ask for 2–3 references from similar jobs completed in the past 12 months. Call them. Ask: did the job finish on time, on budget, and would they hire this contractor again?

Submit one request to ContractorLeads101 and receive quotes from up to 3 pre-screened contractors — free.