One of them isn’t lying — they’re usually not quoting the same job. Here’s how to read any bid.
Last updated June 15, 2026
Differences come from scope, material grade, who does the licensed work, what’s excluded, and what the low bid leaves for a “change order later.” Read what’s included, not just the bottom line.
By leaving work out, skipping a permit, using a cheaper grade, or doing licensed-trade work at unlicensed prices. You don’t see it on paper — you see it months later when the patch fails or it surfaces at resale.
A one-line bid hides everything until it’s too late to ask. A detailed estimate shows you exactly what’s included, excluded, and assumed — that’s protection, not padding.
Scope, who’s licensed for what, materials, exclusions, and the change-order policy. Do that and “expensive” and “cheap” often trade places.
Send us what you’ve got. We’ll show you what’s actually included — no pressure to switch.
The Blue Collar Crew