How to Compare Construction Proposals
Two construction proposals can show different prices because they describe different work. Before comparing totals, put the scope and assumptions side by side. This guide provides a practical framework for a project conversation, without suggesting that every proposal should use the same format.
Give each team the same starting information
Use the same drawings, project description and selection information where possible. Record the date of each version. If one team prices a later revision, the totals may reflect a scope difference rather than a difference in the cost of equivalent work.
Read inclusions and exclusions together
Identify which rooms, materials and activities are included. Then review what is excluded or supplied by another party. Ask about gaps between those lists. A clear responsibility map is especially useful for commercial tenant improvements, where several parties may be involved.
Understand allowances and unresolved selections
An allowance represents a budget assumption that should be read with its stated scope. Ask what it covers and what would cause it to change. Unselected finishes or uncertain existing conditions should be visible in the discussion rather than treated as settled decisions.
Compare schedule assumptions
A target completion date means more when the dependencies are understood. Discuss access, selections, deliveries and decisions needed before work can progress. Ask how changes will be communicated and who has responsibility for approvals.
Turn differences into specific questions
Instead of asking only why one total is higher, identify the line or assumption that differs. Ask each team to explain its scope in plain language. Keep written clarifications with the proposal so the decision is based on a consistent record. Bring your project brief to Common Grounds Construction to discuss the next step.
Bring these details to the conversation
- Same scope and drawing version
- Inclusions, exclusions and owner-supplied items
- Allowances and unresolved selections
- Access and schedule dependencies
- Change communication and decision ownership
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