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Contractor Quote Comparison Sheet

Item / TradeContractor AContractor BContractor C
TOTAL---

Comparing three contractor quotes on paper is messy and easy to get wrong. Enter each quote line by line, and the comparison sheet highlights which contractor is cheapest for each item and overall. Print it to aid your decision and keep it on file.

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This is a general comparison aid, not professional, legal, or construction advice. Quotes vary in scope, materials, and terms, and local rules differ; check the details and any local requirements before making a decision.

How to use this tool

  1. 1Enter the project name and up to 4 contractor names.
  2. 2Add the work items (e.g. Demolition, Tiling, Electrical). These are the rows.
  3. 3Enter the price each contractor quoted for each item. Leave blank if the item was not quoted.
  4. 4The sheet highlights the lowest price for each item and shows the total for each contractor.
  5. 5Add notes for each contractor (e.g. experience, start date, payment terms).
  6. 6Click 'Print / Save PDF' to save the comparison.

Example

Bathroom renovation - 3 contractor comparison

Project: Main bathroom renovation. Items: Demolition (A: 800, B: 600, C: 750), Tiling (A: 1,200, B: 1,400, C: 1,100), Plumbing (A: 900, B: 850, C: 1,000), Fittings supply and fit (A: 1,500, B: 1,600, C: 1,450). Totals: A 4,400, B 4,450, C 4,300. C is cheapest overall; B is cheapest on plumbing. Notes: A has the earliest start date.

Full apartment refurb - 4 contractors, materials excluded

Project: Pre-sale apartment refurb. 4 contractors quoted on the same scope (renovation-scope-builder document). Items: Demolition and strip-out (A: 1,200, B: 1,000, C: 1,100, D: 1,350), Plastering (A: 2,800, B: 2,400, C: 2,600, D: 2,500), Electrical (A: 1,800, B: 1,750, C: 1,900, D: 1,700), Painting (A: 3,200, B: 3,500, C: 3,000, D: 3,100). Totals: A 9,000, B 8,650, C 8,600, D 8,650. C is marginally cheapest. Notes: B and D both have faster start dates - start date prioritised, go with D.

Common use cases

  • Homeowners comparing kitchen or bathroom renovation quotes from multiple builders
  • Property investors comparing renovation quotes before buying a flip property
  • Landlords comparing maintenance quotes to control costs across a portfolio
  • Project managers ensuring consistent scope and fair pricing across competing contractors
  • Anyone who has received multiple quotes and needs to compare them clearly

Common mistakes

  • Comparing quotes that cover different scopes - ensure each contractor quoted on the same scope document before entering their prices.
  • Choosing the cheapest quote without checking inclusions - the lowest total sometimes excludes materials or key items that others include.
  • Ignoring contractor notes - start date, payment terms, and experience are often as important as price.

Frequently asked questions

How many quotes should I get for a renovation?

At minimum 3 quotes for any job over a few thousand dollars. Three quotes give you a price range and help you identify outliers. For very large or specialist jobs, 4-5 quotes may be appropriate. Always ensure all contractors are quoting on the same scope.

Should I always choose the cheapest quote?

Not necessarily. The cheapest quote may exclude key items, use lower-grade materials, or come from a less experienced contractor. Use the comparison sheet to understand where quotes differ by line item - sometimes one contractor is cheapest overall but expensive on one critical trade. Check reviews, ask for references, and consider start dates and payment terms alongside price.

What if two contractors quote on different assumptions?

This is why a written scope of work is essential before requesting quotes. If contractors have quoted on different assumptions, you cannot compare them accurately. Identify the discrepancy, clarify the scope, and ask the contractor to requote on the same basis. This is a common reason why one quote is dramatically cheaper than others.

How do I handle quotes where some items are bundled?

If a contractor bundles multiple items into one line item that others quote separately, try to get them to break it down. If that is not possible, enter the bundled amount against the most significant item and note it in the contractor comments. Accuracy in the comparison matters most where price differences are large.

Are my details stored on a server?

No. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to any server.

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