Write a common brief
Prepare a description of the result you want, the affected surfaces and what you wish to keep. Send the same information to every company and record which issues they have been able to check during the visit. If one quote is based on a photograph and another on an on-site measurement, highlight that difference before comparing prices.
The FTC recommends obtaining several written estimates describing work, materials, timescale and price. We use only that organisational principle here; its legal guidance belongs to the United States and does not carry over to other territories.
Turn the total into questions
Create one row per job and columns for quantity, unit, product or performance, labour, transport, protection of existing elements and waste removal. Separate taxes when the quote identifies them. An empty cell means missing information, not zero cost. Do not fill an exclusion with a favourable assumption.
Record what happens with materials still to be chosen, how changes are documented and which conditions can alter the planned date. Request clarification in writing and keep every version with its date. The lowest price may correspond to a different brief.
Decide with complete information
Summarise the differences still unresolved on one sheet: measurements, specifications, availability and tasks assigned to each party. The quote tool organises amounts you enter; it does not validate offers or calculate a market price. To interpret clauses, permits or responsibilities, consult a competent professional in your territory.
At a glance
Scope
Document-based comparison of quotes; not contractual advice or a market estimate.
Before starting
- A written brief.
- Quotes identified by date and supplier.
Supporting materials
- Complete quotes.
- A comparison table and photographs showing the scope.
Difficulty
Basic for organising; technical for assessing construction solutions.
Indicative time
Depends on the number of items and the companies' clarifications.
Steps
- Send the same scope.
- Break down quantities, units and performance.
- Mark exclusions and missing information.
- Request clarified versions and compare the whole.
Checks
- Do all quotes include the same tasks?
- Are taxes, transport and waste clear?
- Are estimates separated from confirmed quantities?
Maintenance
Keep a dated version whenever the scope changes.
Type of review
An editorial synthesis of documentation; no physical testing or technical review by a professional is recorded. Building decisions require on-site verification.
Tools
Sources and references
FTC · How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam ↗General · contrastar condiciones locales · 17/10/2026