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Contractor Quote Comparison

Enter each line item with the price from three contractors, then score their quality and schedule from 0 to 10 and set how much each factor matters. The calculator totals each quote, shows the lowest price and ranks the quotes by weighted score. Everything stays in your browser.

Estimate only. Get written quotes before you commit; prices vary by region, season and site conditions.

Measurements

Units
Line items

Results

Best overall score

A

Lowest price

C

Total A
$6,700.00
Total B
$7,150.00
Total C
$6,500.00
Score A
8.55
Score B
8.15
Score C
8.2

Make sure every quote covers the same scope. Enter 0 for an item a contractor left out, and ask them to price it.

Show the working
  1. Price score (lowest ÷ total × 10)A: 6500 ÷ 6700 × 10 = 9.7 · B: 6500 ÷ 7150 × 10 = 9.09 · C: 6500 ÷ 6500 × 10 = 10
  2. Weighted score(price × 50 + quality × 30 + schedule × 20) ÷ 100
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How to use the quote comparison tool

  1. Add one row per line item and enter each contractor’s price.
  2. Score each contractor’s quality and schedule from 0 to 10.
  3. Set the weights for price, quality and schedule.
  4. Read the totals, the lowest price and the best weighted score.

How the scores work

Totals are the sums of each column. Price score = 10 × lowest total ÷ the quote’s total. Weighted score = (price score × price weight + quality × quality weight + schedule × schedule weight) ÷ the sum of the weights.

Worked examples

Kitchen renovation. Totals A 6,700, B 7,150, C 6,500. C is the lowest price (score 10); A scores 9.7 and B 9.09. With quality scores of 7, 8 and 6 and schedule scores of 8, 6 and 7 at 50/30/20 weights, A ranks highest with 8.55, ahead of C (8.2) and B (8.15).

Price only. Set quality and schedule weights to 0 to rank purely on price.

How to interpret the results

The best score is a decision aid, not a decision. Read each contract’s terms, payment schedule, exclusions and warranty before you sign.

Tips and common mistakes

  • Normalise the scope so every quote covers the same work.
  • Check licences and insurance before scoring quality.
  • Watch for provisional sums and allowances that can grow.
  • Get quotes in writing with dates and validity periods.

What to ask every contractor

Ask each contractor for the same information so the comparison is fair: a written scope, an itemised price, what is excluded, provisional sums and allowances, the start date and duration, the payment schedule, warranty terms, licence and insurance details, and references from recent similar jobs. Missing items are often where costs grow later, so put a 0 in the tool and ask for a price rather than assuming they are included.

Before you request quotes, list the materials with the calculators and the project materials list, and estimate the work with the labor hours calculator. After choosing a contractor, plan the payments with the construction payment schedule.

Assumptions and limitations

The tool compares up to three quotes. It doesn’t verify prices or contractors.

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare contractor quotes fairly?

Break each quote into the same line items so you compare like with like. If one contractor left an item out, enter 0 and ask them to price it.

How is the price score calculated?

The lowest total gets 10. Every other quote gets 10 × lowest total ÷ its total, so a quote 25% dearer than the lowest scores 8.

How should I score quality and schedule?

Use evidence: references, past work, licences, insurance, warranty and how quickly they can start and finish. Score each from 0 to 10.

What weights should I use?

Whatever matters to you. The calculator starts at 50% price, 30% quality and 20% schedule.

Should I always choose the cheapest quote?

Not necessarily. Very low quotes can mean missing scope. The weighted score helps you weigh price against other factors.

Can I compare more than three quotes?

The tool compares three at a time. Compare your top three, or run it twice and compare the winners.

What if a quote is much lower than the others?

Check whether it covers the full scope, uses the same materials and includes items such as waste removal and permits. Ask the contractor to explain the difference.

Sources