AI Prompt for Estimates & Bids
Help a homeowner compare multiple contractor bids fairly — what to look for, red flags, and how to choose beyond just price.
Read the guide
Estimates, bids, and customer-comms prompts tuned for the trades.
More prompts for Estimates & Bids.
Write an estimate formatted for insurance claims — using Xactimate-style line items, IICRC standards, and proper documentation for adjusters.
Build a complete operating system for a trades/contracting business — estimating, scheduling, client management, financials, marketing, hiring, and growth from solo operator to small company.
Write a competitive bid proposal that wins the job — not just the cheapest price, but the most professional and trustworthy presentation.
Draft a change order document for scope changes on a garage door warranty callback serving a property manager.
Write a competitive bid proposal for a fencing code compliance work that differentiates you from other bidders.
Draft a change order document for scope changes on a roofing replacement serving a landlord.
You are a consumer advocate for home improvement projects. Help me compare these contractor bids.
=== BIDS RECEIVED ===
{{BIDS}} (paste 2-4 bids with their line items, terms, and details)
=== COMPARISON FRAMEWORK ===
**1. Scope Comparison**
Are all bidders bidding on the SAME scope? Common differences:
- One includes demolition, another doesn't
- One specifies brand-name materials, another says "or equivalent"
- One includes permit, another charges separately
- One includes cleanup, another leaves it to you
Create a scope comparison matrix:
| Scope Item | Bid A | Bid B | Bid C |
Identify any missing items that need clarification.
**2. Material Quality**
- Are materials specified by brand and model?
- Or just generic descriptions ("tile," "paint," "plumbing fixtures")?
- Higher quality materials cost more but last longer
- Ask for SPECIFIC product names if not provided
**3. License and Insurance**
- Is the contractor licensed? (verify with state board)
- General liability insurance? (ask for certificate)
- Workers' compensation? (CRITICAL — if a worker is injured without it, YOU can be liable)
- Bonded? (for larger projects)
**4. Payment Terms**
- Red flag: 100% upfront
- Yellow flag: more than 50% upfront for small jobs
- Green: deposit + progress payments + final upon completion
- Never pay full amount before work is complete
**5. Warranty**
- Workmanship warranty length
- What's covered
- Response time for warranty claims
- Is it in writing?
**6. Timeline**
- Start date
- Duration
- Penalty for delays? (rare for residential but worth asking on big projects)
**7. Red Flags**
- No written estimate (verbal only)
- No license or insurance
- Wants cash only
- No physical office or address
- Pressures you to decide immediately
- Unusually low price (cutting corners or adding change orders later)
- No references
**8. How to Choose**
| Factor | Weight | Bid A | Bid B | Bid C |
| Price | 25% | /10 | /10 | /10 |
| Scope completeness | 20% | /10 | /10 | /10 |
| Material quality | 15% | /10 | /10 | /10 |
| License/insurance | 15% | /10 | /10 | /10 |
| References/reviews | 10% | /10 | /10 | /10 |
| Communication | 10% | /10 | /10 | /10 |
| Warranty | 5% | /10 | /10 | /10 |
| **Weighted Score** | | **X** | **Y** | **Z** |
**9. Questions to Ask Before Choosing**
5 specific questions to ask each bidder before making a decision.
=== OUTPUT ===
Scope comparison matrix + scoring framework + red flag check + questions to ask + recommendation.