Contractor Quote Checklist

How the checklist works

• Not stated is not excluded. If a quote doesn't mention an item, it's a question to ask, not a sign the item is missing.
• Scope differs: one quote includes an item another quote excludes. The quotes describe different jobs, so we don't compare or rank them.
• Can't tell yet: an item answered in one quote and not stated in another. Ask before comparing.
• Prices are optional, and there are no verdicts. If you enter totals, we show them side by side with the difference. A total only means something together with the scope: a lower total may cover less work. We don't judge whether a quote is fair, high or low.
• Key items first. Each trade shows its 6 key items first; the rest are under More items. Results work with only the key items filled.

The checklists

Every item comes from the consumer guidance listed under Sources. Rules differ by state; the California items describe California law.

Every trade

• Contractor name, address, phone and license number (Federal Trade Commission, California Contractors State License Board)
• Proof of liability and workers' comp insurance (Federal Trade Commission, Consumers' Checkbook, Consumers' Checkbook, Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association)
• Who gets the permits (California Contractors State License Board, Consumers' Checkbook)
• Payment schedule (what each payment covers) (California Contractors State License Board, Federal Trade Commission)
• Estimated start and completion dates (Federal Trade Commission, California Contractors State License Board)
• Materials described in detail (brand, model, color, size) (California Contractors State License Board)
• Written warranty: what's covered and for how long (California Contractors State License Board, National Roofing Contractors Association)
• Cleanup and removal of debris (California Contractors State License Board, Consumers' Checkbook)
• Changes handled by written change order (California Contractors State License Board)
• Verbal promises written into the contract (Federal Trade Commission, California Contractors State License Board)
• Written notice of your right to cancel (Federal Trade Commission)

Roofing

• Roof covering type, manufacturer and color (National Roofing Contractors Association)
• Removal or replacement of the existing roof (National Roofing Contractors Association)
• Flashing work (National Roofing Contractors Association)
• Ventilation work (National Roofing Contractors Association)
• Who repairs landscape or interior damage from the work (National Roofing Contractors Association)
• Installation method (National Roofing Contractors Association)

Deck

• Detailed description with drawings or deck plans (Consumers' Checkbook)
• All materials new, with building products named (Consumers' Checkbook)
• Contractor arranges and passes inspections (Consumers' Checkbook)
• HOA or historic-district approvals (Consumers' Checkbook)

Concrete or hardscape

• Drawing of what will be removed and built (Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association)
• Demolition, excavation and relocations (Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association)
• Base aggregate and all materials listed (Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association)
• All applicable taxes (Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association)

Painting

• Prep work described (Consumers' Checkbook)
• Paint brand, type and color for each surface, and number of coats (Consumers' Checkbook)
• Work area described, including gray areas (Consumers' Checkbook)
• Who supplies the paint (Consumers' Checkbook)
• EPA lead-safe work practices (homes built before 1978) (Consumers' Checkbook)

Sources

Fence quotes: Fence Quote Checker. More: How to compare fence contractor quotes.