Compare the same work first
Before comparing construction quote totals, confirm that every proposal covers the same scope, drawing revision and delivery assumptions. A lower total may reflect less work, a different material or an unresolved allowance. A higher total may include something the others left out.
The goal is a clear comparison, not an automatic decision based on the smallest number. Your project team still needs to review the proposed engagement and confirm suitability.
Build a like-for-like comparison
| Compare | Clarify |
|---|---|
| Scope | Which deliverables and quantities are included? |
| Materials | What specification or approved alternative is assumed? |
| Exclusions | Which tasks need another contractor or a separate price? |
| Allowances | Which amounts remain provisional, and what resolves them? |
| Timing | What start window, duration and access assumptions apply? |
| Price basis | What currency, taxes, validity period and payment milestones are stated? |
If a field is missing, ask. Do not interpret silence as inclusion.
An illustrative comparison
Two painting proposals refer to the same office. One includes surface preparation and wall finishes; the other includes finishes but excludes preparation. Their totals are not directly comparable until the missing preparation is defined and priced.
Ask both businesses to confirm the same scope and revision in writing. Do not simply add a guessed allowance to the cheaper quotation and treat the result as a firm offer.
Resolve questions before choosing
Keep a short clarification log: the issue, who answered, the response and which proposal revision incorporates it. Give each business a fair chance to respond to the same material scope changes.
Discuss dependencies that could affect delivery, including site readiness, access windows and decisions needed from the project team. Confirm who owns each outstanding action. A price that assumes an empty work area may not apply to an occupied space.
Close the loop
Confirm that the selected proposal reflects the final agreed scope and that unresolved items have a clear next step. A comparison sheet helps you make the decision; it is not itself permission to start work.
If the quotes reveal gaps in the brief, return to the scope-of-work checklist. If you are still exploring suitable businesses, use the shortlist checklist before requesting detailed proposals.