Contractor Quote Comparison Template That Exposes Gaps

Normalize 3 quotes on one sheet: same BOQ lines, exclusions, hardware brands and payment stages that reveal true cheapest.

Three Fes bath quotes MAD 18k/27k/34k same words — normalized sheet showed MAD 18k missed membrane + glass + fan (add MAD 7k), true cheapest MAD 27k mid. BOQ build in boq budget calculator, cost splits in interior budget planner.

Template columns that reveal truth

Rows = every item (demo, plumbing, membrane, tiles wall/floor, sanitary nos, vanity spec, fittings brand, glass mm, fan CFM, paint, labor days). Columns = Qty + Unit + Contractor A rate/amount + B + C + Remarks. Identical BOQ sent to all 3 — same ply grade, hardware brand, counter thickness, glass mm, membrane brand.

Unequal specs make cheapest look best hiding thin board. Ask exclusions row: transport, lifting, debris, polish, silicone, GST. Written exclusions reveal true total +MAD 3-5k typically.

Spec locks that stop swap

Wood: BWR/MR + calibrated + E0 + edge 2mm + laminate code. Hardware: soft-close hinge 2/3 per shutter, 45 kg slides, SS304 baskets (not 202 rust monsoon), brand boxes photo day delivery. Stone: 20mm + edge + cutouts + seal brand. Tile: PEI/R + lot + epoxy shower. Electrical: points nos + driver brand + IP zones bath/kitchen.

Photo challan + boxes + lot numbers — warehouse swap common, photos protect both. Good contractors welcome; pushy refusers signal swap plan — leave.

Scoring: not lowest total wins

Score price 40% + spec match 30% + timeline + penalty 10% + supervision + photos 10% + warranty 10%. Fes winner MAD 27k scored 88 (full spec + 14-day + MAD 500/day delay + daily photos + 2-yr warranty) versus MAD 18k scored 52 (3 exclusions + no warranty). Cheap + vague costs MAD 9k redo hollow + leak year one.

Visit 1 site older than 1 year: open sink shutter (swell?), test soft-close, paint peel windows. New showroom always shines; aged reveals. Call one past client — 10 min call saves MAD 10k.

Payment and change control

Pay 30/40/20/10 with photo approval, never 60% advance — staged keeps leverage for snag. 48h pay for 2-3% cash discount (contractors value flow). Off-season order 5-8% off, avoid pre-Eid +15% labor. Store locked site, note codes.

One-change rule: finish change after cut restarts cost — sign codes + slab photo once. Change order slip (date + reason + amount + sign) or no spend from 10% contingency. Verbal similar = MAD 2,550 dispute; one page + delay penalty saves haggling.

Red flags that fail sheet

Lump sum no breakup, no exclusions, no brand, 60% advance, unlimited promises (revisions/views/visits unwritten), no daily photos, cash-only no bill. Two flags = reject even if MAD 3k cheaper — 80% of disputes come from flag pairs.

Green flags: itemized BOQ back in 48h, exclusions listed proactively, 2-yr warranty written, supervisor named + daily 15-min photos, 2-3 revisions + visit count written.

Handover test (10 min, 90% issues)

Open every shutter 10x fast, load drawer 10 kg glide, splash sink mug 5-min dry inside, pour 1L shower slope to drain, phone wave lights no flicker, fan tissue pull, lock + tap + flush 3x. List snag same day, hold 10% until fixed 48h. One Fes snag hold fixed 4 hollow tiles free; advance-pay client paid MAD 900 redo.

FAQ

How many quotes? 3 with identical BOQ. 2 hides variance, 5 wastes 2 weeks + invites collusion. Same week, same site photos, same deadline.

Cheapest with exclusions — add or reject? Add exclusions to compare true total first. If still cheapest + specs match + no red flags + aged site passes, take with 30/40/20/10 + penalty. Usually exclusions flip rank.

Syndic and neighbor clearance before work starts

Fes bath stopped day 3 — shaft drilling banned, redesign MAD 1,200. Pre-work sheet row: syndic permission (shaft, hours 9-6, debris lift slot), neighbor below signature for bath waterproofing + timing, water cut slot, parking for material truck. Email + paper signed, photo filed with BOQ. One meeting + MAD 200 attaya saves week stoppage.

Debris: 4x4 truck MAD 400 booked day 2/7/12, not piled 10 days (fine MAD 300). Lifting 3rd floor MAD 400 slot 7am before heat + prayer gap. Waterproof flood 48h warned below with date — leak test without warning triggers fight even when passing. Good contractors list these proactively; lump-sum silence signals stoppage risk.