Start with the decision
A useful millwork bid follow-up confirms receipt, addresses open scope questions and checks whether the project’s next decision has changed. Follow the issuer’s communication rules. Avoid treating repeated sales messages as a substitute for a complete and relevant proposal.
This guide is for business-to-business project planning in the United States and Canada. For the wider trade context, visit the millwork resource hub.
Follow up with a useful clarification
| Package | Clarification to offer | Reference to include |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry and assemblies | fabrication, hardware and assembly inclusions | item schedule, drawings and finish references |
| Countertops and finishes | countertop supply, finishing and separate-trade boundaries | material selections and junction details |
| Installation interfaces | delivery, fixing, service connections and making good | backing, services and access information |
Download the millwork bid follow up worksheet (CSV)
Fill in the response, owner or source, and date checked. Keep unresolved items visible. The file contains planning prompts only; it does not calculate quantities or make an approval decision.
Put the checklist to work
- Check the invitation for the permitted contact and follow-up process. Confirm the bid reference and version rather than resending a generic sales pitch.
- Ask whether any information about countertops, appliances, plumbing connections, electrical work and wall backing needs clarification. Respond with a specific written answer and revised scope where necessary.
- Reconfirm assumptions about approved shop information, finish selections and confirmed site dimensions when the decision is delayed. Do not imply that an old availability statement reserves a crew indefinitely.
- Record the response and agreed next action. If the buyer declines further contact or the procurement process restricts communication, respect that boundary.
A scope gap worth discussing
Illustrative example — not a Build Accord client project
A reception-desk proposal excludes the countertop carried by another bidder. Align the assembly and installation boundaries before comparing the total.
Apply this to your decision: A short, relevant follow-up record covering receipt, outstanding questions and the next permitted contact point.
Using this in the US and Canada
For a project in the United States
Record the state, local jurisdiction and actual service area. For federal notices, use SAM.gov Contract Opportunities and check the individual notice’s stage and instructions. A prime-contract notice is not automatically a subcontract invitation.
For a project in Canada
Record the province or territory, municipality and actual service area. Use CanadaBuys tender opportunities as one public-procurement source, then read the issuer’s documents and submission route. Do not assume it lists every private construction package.
For either market, state the currency, units and deadline time zone. This worksheet is general planning guidance, not a determination of licensing, procurement eligibility or technical compliance.
The next useful step
Continue with millwork contractor availability and capacity checklist. For the other side of the conversation, see the millwork project scope guide.
Build Accord coordinates introductions between construction project teams and trade contractors. An inquiry starts a discussion of fit and availability; it does not guarantee a contractor, an invitation to bid or an award. These guides are not a listing of currently available crews or projects.