Hi Everyone, 

Seeking some info on how you would request & assess a contractor bid. 

How would you like to see the bid & it broken out? 

What else would you ask for so that you can easily assess the bid? 

I want to feel like empowered reviewing the bid and being able to push back when things like cost, timing, if need be. 

THX everyone!! 

@Simond Wong you need to provide the contractors with a clearly defined and detailed scope of work including all the finish selections. The more detail the better. Have them break out the pricing by each line item so you can compare bids easily.

Remember this is a team effort. The more information and detail you provide the contractor the better the job they can do for you.

@Greg Dickerson , 

Thanks for the feedback! This is very helpful. I have never seen once, what would be an example of a line item or rather how does a contractor typically organize their bids, i.e. by phase, by type of work done like plumbing, framing, electrical, hvac, etc.? 

Thanks again for your time and insights!

@Greg Dickerson is spot on in terms of what you need to get the most comprehensive quotes. In order for them to get what you're looking for, you have to also be definitively and specific of your wants and needs. It would be a good idea for you to create an estimate format for them and have them fill out the blanks. That is something I have done in the past and that way, you can compare apples to apples, what you're getting from each contractor. 

Now the question is how you know the price right? You can research/google resource sites such as RSMeans.com and figure out what costs are associated and they can break it down by regions too. Cost of labor is so greatly different by the part of the country so this is a very useful tool. 

This method not only makes you an educated owner but will help you in the future for renovations also. Good luck!

@Lien Vuong thank you so much for providing this feedback, really appreciate it!