Builder tools
Bid Comparison Worksheet
Two bids are almost never comparable as written. Enter each builder's numbers line by line, mark anything they left out, set the finish level you actually plan to buy, and the worksheet rebuilds every bid on the same basis — then totals them side by side. Everything saves on this device.
Worksheet setup
Name each bid, enter the heated square footage the builder used, and set your contingency. Price per square foot only means something when the square footage basis matches.
Normalized totals
The cheapest bid as written is often the most expensive once missing scope and real finish levels are added back.
| Line | Builder A | Builder B |
|---|---|---|
| Bid as written | — | — |
| Missing scope added | — | — |
| Allowance shortfall added | — | — |
| Normalized total | — | — |
| Contingency (12%) | — | — |
| True cost with contingency | — | — |
| Price per heated sq ft | — | — |
| Difference vs lowest normalized | — | — |
| Lines not included / unclear | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
Line items
Enter each builder's dollar amount. Set status to 'Not included' or 'Unclear' and the worksheet substitutes your own estimate instead of treating it as $0. For allowance lines, your target spend is what you actually intend to buy — any shortfall is added back to that bid.
Preconstruction
| Item | Your estimate if missing | Builder A | Builder B |
|---|---|---|---|
Plans, engineering & stamped drawings | |||
Survey, stake-out & soil test | |||
Permits, impact fees & inspection fees |
Site work
| Item | Your estimate if missing | Builder A | Builder B |
|---|---|---|---|
Clearing, grubbing & tree removal | |||
Grading, fill & building pad | |||
Rock / unsuitable soil contingency Frequently excluded. Ask for a unit price. | |||
Erosion control & silt fence | |||
Driveway (length & surface) |
Utilities
| Item | Your estimate if missing | Builder A | Builder B |
|---|---|---|---|
Well or water tap & meter | |||
Septic system or sewer connection | |||
Electric service, trenching & meter | |||
Propane tank or gas line |
Shell
| Item | Your estimate if missing | Builder A | Builder B |
|---|---|---|---|
Foundation / slab / crawlspace | |||
Framing, sheathing & trusses | |||
Roofing & dry-in | |||
Windows & exterior doors | |||
Siding, brick or stone |
Systems
| Item | Your estimate if missing | Builder A | Builder B |
|---|---|---|---|
Plumbing rough-in & fixtures | |||
Electrical rough-in & devices | |||
HVAC equipment & ductwork | |||
Insulation & air sealing |
Interior
| Item | Your estimate if missing | Builder A | Builder B |
|---|---|---|---|
Drywall & paint |
Allowances
| Item | Your target spend | Builder A | Builder B |
|---|---|---|---|
Cabinets allowance | |||
Countertops allowance | |||
Flooring allowance | |||
Tile & shower allowance | |||
Lighting & fan allowance | |||
Plumbing fixture allowance | |||
Appliance allowance | |||
Trim, doors & hardware allowance |
Exterior
| Item | Your estimate if missing | Builder A | Builder B |
|---|---|---|---|
Porches, decks & concrete flatwork | |||
Gutters & downspouts | |||
Final grade, seed & landscaping | |||
Blinds, mirrors & shelving |
Soft costs
| Item | Your estimate if missing | Builder A | Builder B |
|---|---|---|---|
Dumpsters, portable toilet & final clean | |||
Builder's risk insurance | |||
Construction-period interest Usually the lender's, not the builder's — assign it to someone. | |||
Builder overhead, profit & supervision |
Before you pick a bid
Ask every builder these before signing
- What is specifically excluded from this bid, in writing?
- Are your allowances material-only or material plus labor and installation?
- Is the square footage in this bid heated space only, or does it include garage and porches?
- Is site work priced from an actual site visit, and what happens if you hit rock?
- Who pays permits, impact fees, inspection fees, survey and soil testing?
- Is this fixed-price or cost-plus, and is there a guaranteed maximum price?
- How are change orders priced and approved, and what is your markup?
- What is your realistic schedule, and who absorbs cost if the build runs long?