Renovation 101
How to Get Bids That Actually Mean Something
Three bids, same project, completely different numbers. This lesson shows you how to read, normalize, and compare contractor bids so you can choose with confidence — not just on price.
Three bids for the same job can look completely different — and the lowest number rarely means what you think it does. This lesson teaches you how to read, normalize, and compare contractor bids so your final decision is based on the actual scope, not just the price tag.
What You'll Learn
- Why bids for the same project often come back with wildly different numbers.
- What a complete, bid-ready contractor proposal should include.
- How to normalize allowances, exclusions, and hidden assumptions across bids.
- How to read bid quality beyond the bottom line.
- How to make a confident final decision when the numbers don't line up.
Key Takeaways
- Bids are only comparable when they describe the same job — read the scope, not just the total.
- A low bid often signals missing scope or low-quality allowances.
- Ask every bidder to list their exclusions explicitly.
- Check references, licensing, and insurance before price becomes the deciding factor.
- The bid process tells you as much about the contractor as the proposal itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bids should I get for a renovation?
Three is the standard minimum. Fewer and you don't have enough data to evaluate price and approach. The goal is not the lowest number — it is understanding what each bidder is actually proposing and whether the bids describe the same job.
Why are renovation bids so different from each other?
Bids vary because contractors make different assumptions about scope, use different allowance figures for materials, and have different overhead structures. A low bid often means missing scope, not a better price. Normalize bids to the same scope before comparing numbers.
What should a complete contractor bid include?
A complete bid includes a detailed scope of work, materials list with allowances specified, payment schedule tied to milestones, exclusions listed explicitly, start and completion timeline, and license and insurance information. Missing any of these is a signal to ask questions before proceeding.
Series Outline
- 1. Before You Tear Anything Down
- 2. How to Get Bids That Actually Mean Something
- 3. Reading a Contractor Agreement (Without a Law Degree)
- 4. Permits and Plans: What Your Contractor Should Be Handling
- 5. Managing the Job While You're Living in It
- 6. Change Orders: Why Your Project Costs More Than the Quote
- 7. The Final Walkthrough: How to Inspect the Work Before You Pay
- 8. When Things Go Wrong: Your Options Before, During, and After
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