KEEPCreate one baseline room scope
Give each bidder the same measured room record, existing photographs, keep-replace-move schedule, proposed plan and building constraints. Identify demolition limits, fixture quality, trade changes, wet-area boundaries, finishes, protection and closeout documents. Date the package and record bidder questions in one clarification log. Issue the same written clarification to every bidder when it changes price or responsibility. Without a shared baseline, a lower total may simply omit service relocation, preparation, protection or evidence that another proposal includes.
- Issue the same documents
- Use one clarification log
- Compare omissions before totals
REMOVENormalize demolition and concealed conditions
Compare what each proposal removes, protects, disposes of and restores. Ask how unexpected substrate damage, concealed piping, wiring, hazardous material or other findings are documented, priced and approved. Separate a reasonable investigation allowance from an undefined contingency. Require written authorization before changed work. A proposal that assumes perfect concealed conditions is not directly comparable with one that identifies likely decision points and a transparent change process.
- Align removal limits
- Compare concealed-condition rules
- Require written changes
COORDINATECompare trade scope fixture by fixture
For plumbing, electrical and ventilation work, match line items to the same fixtures and locations. Check rough-ins, connections, testing, inspections, patching and before-cover evidence. Clarify whether permit application, fees, inspection attendance and corrections are included. Do not accept a broad licensed trades allowance as a substitute for scope. The objective is to see which proposal includes the actual service changes and which leaves them unresolved.
- Use a fixture-level matrix
- Separate permit tasks and fees
- Record testing and restoration
DETAILAlign wet-area and finish assumptions
Compare wet-zone boundaries, substrates, preparation, product systems, drain interfaces, transitions, penetrations, testing or inspection hold points and photographic records. Then align tile quantities, patterns, edges, grout, paint, cabinetry, counters, glass and accessories. A material allowance is meaningful only when area, quality basis, waste, freight, tax and installation treatment are stated. Keep decorative alternates outside the base total so they do not obscure assembly differences.
- Compare complete assemblies
- State allowance units
- Separate alternates from base scope
SELECTMake owner-supplied items explicit
List every fixture, finish or accessory the owner is expected to select or purchase. State who confirms dimensions and compatibility, receives delivery, stores the item, checks damage, handles missing parts and bears schedule effects. Clarify whether installation materials and labour are included. Owner supply can provide choice, but an incomplete responsibility split can transfer procurement and delay risk without making it visible in the price.
- Name each owner item
- Assign compatibility and delivery checks
- State delay and damage responsibility
VERIFYPrice building logistics and approvals
For condo and occupied-building work, align work hours, elevator booking, parking, access, water shutdowns, common-area protection, dust control, daily cleanup and waste movement. Compare strata submissions, deposits and required records separately from City or trade permits. Confirm responsibility rather than assuming these tasks are free or identical. A proposal should also state schedule assumptions that depend on external approvals, selections or building access.
- Use one logistics checklist
- Separate strata and permit tasks
- Expose schedule dependencies
FILEFill in a comparison record for each option
Make one record for each proposal and identify the quote and drawing revision. The three prompts below distinguish scope options, not fixed packages. For relevant work listed above, record included, excluded, allowance or not stated; request written clarification. Keep allowance credits, owner items and approval responsibilities visible. Add the written change-pricing basis and payment milestones. Under closeout, list approvals, inspections, product documents, before-cover photographs, care information, deficiency closure and warranty terms as written. State who supplies each record and when it is due. A blank answer remains unresolved, not zero cost.
- Same-layout rebuild: retained/rebuilt ____; included/excluded ____; allowance ____; concealed-condition rule ____; strata access ____; closeout ____; quote reference ____
- Tub-to-shower: removal/new wet area/rough-ins ____; included/excluded ____; allowance ____; concealed-condition rule ____; strata access ____; closeout ____; quote reference ____
- Fixture relocation: openings/shared services/restoration ____; included/excluded ____; allowance ____; concealed-condition rule ____; strata access ____; closeout ____; quote reference ____