Get three contractors to quote the same job and the numbers can land thousands — sometimes tens of thousands — of dollars apart. It's one of the most confusing parts of hiring a pro. Here's what's actually driving the gap, and how to compare bids so the real price shows up.
The low bid usually isn't cheaper — it's smaller
When one quote comes in far under the rest, it's rarely a better deal — it's a different job. Cheaper single-pane glass instead of the good windows. Thinner materials. Half the crew. You're not comparing the same scope; you're comparing two different projects that happen to share a name.
Check what's been left out
The other big driver is what's not in the number. One contractor writes in permits, inspections, and debris hauling; another leaves them out so the bottom line looks smaller. You still pay for those — just later, and often at a premium once the job is already underway.
Don't compare totals — compare line items
The fix is simple: stop comparing bottom-line totals and start comparing line items. Put the bids side by side with the same materials, the same permits, and the same timeline. Once you normalize the scope, the real price — and the honest contractor — shows up fast.