Why two estimates can have different totals
A headline price is only comparable when the estimates cover substantially the same work. One bid may include demolition and disposal while another leaves them to the homeowner. A material allowance may be a placeholder rather than the price of the product you selected. A short estimate may also leave permits, delivery, cleanup, or repairs discovered after opening a wall unresolved.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends getting multiple written estimates and says an estimate should describe the work, materials, completion date, and price. It also advises checking applicable licensing and insurance with state or county officials. Requirements differ by location, so verify the rules that apply to your project. Read the FTC’s home-improvement guidance.
How to use this worksheet
- Use estimates for the same project and currency. Give each one a label you will recognize.
- Enter each written total. Mark what the estimate says about the work items; do not assume a blank line means “included.”
- Add an amount only for excluded work or an allowance top-up you can support. Leave unknown work out of the total and keep it visible as an open question.
- Ask contractors to clarify allowances, exclusions, who handles permits, the schedule, payment milestones, and how changes are priced. Keep the answer with the written estimate.
- Compare scope, timing, warranty language, and payment terms along with price. A low total is not proof that two bids are equivalent.
What this tool can and cannot tell you
The calculator adds only the figures you provide. It does not supply a fair market price, convert currencies, estimate a missing line item or allowance top-up, verify licenses or insurance, or assess a contractor’s reliability. It does not decide whether contract wording complies with local law. Ask the relevant local authority or a qualified professional about requirements for your location and project.
Entries stay in the current page session and are not sent to a quote-pricing service. Read the privacy notice, calculation method, and disclaimer. For a broader household plan, try the maintenance reserve calculator or the repair-or-replace calculator. Source checked October 2, 2026.