u/Complex-Marsupial636

I’m curious how people here compare builder bids for new construction or major remodels when each bid is written differently.

One builder might include more detail on allowances, site prep, permits, utility work, cleanup, change orders, warranty, and finish materials. Another might have a lower number but leave a lot more open-ended.

For those who have built a home or done a major remodel, what did you look for besides the final price?

Things I’m wondering about:

• Allowances
• Site prep
• Foundation work
• Framing details
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scope
• Permit handling
• Utility connections
• Finish materials
• Cleanup
• Warranty
• Change order process
• Payment schedule
• Exclusions

I’m not talking about trying to beat builders down on price. I’m more interested in how you make sure you are comparing the same project before signing.

What questions helped you avoid surprises later?

Do you usually explain the scope, materials, travel time, prep work, cleanup, warranty, and what is included? Or do you just politely tell them to get other quotes and move on?

I can see both sides. Some customers are just price shopping and will never be worth chasing. But some probably do not understand why one quote is higher than another if the cheaper one leaves out materials, prep, disposal, or follow-up.

For people doing this full-time, what has worked best?

Do you explain the value behind your quote, keep it short and move on, or avoid responding once they start comparing price?

I’ve been thinking about how contractors can respond when a customer says, “Your quote is too high,” without sounding defensive or desperate.

The best responses I’ve seen usually do three things:

1. Stay respectful Something like, “I completely understand wanting to compare prices,” keeps the conversation from turning into an argument.
2. Explain the scope clearly Instead of just saying “you get what you pay for,” explain what is actually included: material quality, prep work, disposal, warranty, permit handling, labor, cleanup, timeline, and follow-up support.
3. Give the customer a fair way to compare quotes A lot of homeowners compare final numbers without realizing one quote may be missing important details. I think it helps to say something like:

“Just make sure every quote includes the same scope, materials, warranty, permit/disposal fees, and timeline so you’re comparing apples to apples.”

To me, that sounds more professional than trashing the cheaper guy or pressuring the customer to sign.

A higher quote is easier to defend when the customer can actually understand what they’re paying for.

I’m curious how experienced wholesalers sanity-check repair estimates before locking in numbers or assigning a deal.

I’ve seen a lot of newer investors look at a property and only focus on ARV and assignment fee, but the repair estimate seems like the part that can wreck the whole deal if it is off.

For people actually doing this:

How do you verify repair costs before presenting a deal to buyers?

Do you usually get contractor quotes first, use a repair calculator, walk it with a GC, rely on buyer feedback, or build in a bigger buffer?

I’m especially curious about things like:

• Water damage
• Roof issues
• HVAC replacement
• Electrical or plumbing repairs
• Foundation concerns
• Permits
• Mold or hidden damage
• Cosmetic vs structural repairs

I’m not looking to promote anything or ask for DMs. Just trying to understand what a solid process looks like so repair numbers are not misleading or way off.

What is your rule of thumb for knowing when a repair estimate is realistic enough to move forward?

I’m looking for subreddits where people can ask for feedback on quotes before signing.

Examples:

• HVAC replacement estimates
• Plumbing quotes
• Roofing quotes
• Electrical work
• Auto repair invoices
• Car dealer worksheets
• Warranty or financing add-ons
• Junk fees or vague line items

Not looking to attack businesses or call every high quote a scam. More looking for places focused on quote clarity, comparing scope, missing details, and questions customers should ask before signing.

Any good subs for that?

I’ve been thinking about how contractors can respond when a customer says, “Your quote is too high,” without sounding defensive or desperate.

The best responses I’ve seen usually do three things:

1. Stay respectful Something like, “I completely understand wanting to compare prices,” keeps the conversation from turning into an argument.
2. Explain the scope clearly Instead of just saying “you get what you pay for,” explain what is actually included: material quality, prep work, disposal, warranty, permit handling, labor, cleanup, timeline, and follow-up support.
3. Give the customer a fair way to compare quotes A lot of homeowners compare final numbers without realizing one quote may be missing important details. I think it helps to say something like:

“Just make sure every quote includes the same scope, materials, warranty, permit/disposal fees, and timeline so you’re comparing apples to apples.”

To me, that sounds more professional than trashing the cheaper guy or pressuring the customer to sign.

A higher quote is easier to defend when the customer can actually understand what they’re paying for.