GENERAL CONTRACTING · FLORIDA
Comparing Construction Proposals in Florida
Three construction proposals may describe three different projects even when their totals look similar. A fair comparison starts with scope, quantities, specifications, and responsibility for work between trades.
Create a comparison sheet
List demolition, protection, construction, systems, finishes, permitting, and cleanup. Mark each item as included, excluded, or unclear. Review allowance quantities and product levels so a low number is not simply a smaller placeholder.
Look beyond the total
Compare payment milestones, estimated sequence, communication, and the change process. Ask who owns coordination problems when multiple trades meet. A detailed explanation of an exclusion is more useful than an unsupported promise that everything is covered.
Your next planning step
Send the same written questions to each bidder. Request revised scopes that resolve gaps before choosing a contractor or signing the agreement.
Prepare for a productive consultation
Bring photographs, available plans or a survey, and a short list of priorities. Separate essential work from optional upgrades so the discussion can produce a clear base scope. Share the budget range you are comfortable considering and explain any deadline that affects your plans.
Ask the contractor to identify what can be confirmed during the visit and what needs further investigation. Record selections, exclusions, and unanswered questions in writing. A useful estimate explains its assumptions and responsibilities; it should give you a basis for decisions rather than only a number.