Start with one project description
Write down what stays, what moves and what must be replaced. Give every bidder the same drawing or marked-up photos. A price for new cabinet fronts cannot be compared with a price for new cabinet boxes.
- Mark retained appliances and fixtures.
- Record room dimensions and access restrictions.
- List materials you will supply yourself.
Separate included work from assumptions
Look for removal, protection, disposal, installation and finish work as named lines. Ask whether an allowance buys the selected product or merely reserves money for a choice not made yet.
- Ask who measures and orders each material.
- Identify excluded painting, trim and floor repairs.
- Request the procedure for concealed damage.
Compare the handover, not only the start
A proposal should explain what completion means: inspection records where applicable, a walkthrough, remaining corrections and warranty documents. Ask how payment milestones relate to that work.
- Keep proposed start dates separate from firm commitments.
- Ask who answers questions during construction.
- Request revised scope in writing before accepting.