Ready for your next bid
Start your next estimate with a clearer scope
A bid comparison spreadsheet, estimate template and scope checklist you can use on your next project.
Email me the templatesEditable workbooks that keep scope, bids and missing inputs visible.
What you’ll get
- Construction bid comparison spreadsheet
Compare subcontractor quotes alongside inclusions, exclusions and scope gaps.
- Estimate workbook
Organize quantities, units and unit costs into a line-item estimate.
- Scope checklist
Review drawings, assumptions and trade coverage before submitting your bid.
Compare bids on the same scope
A lower quoted total may exclude work that another bidder includes. First establish the same plan revision, quantities and specifications. Record each exclusion, request clarification, and show any adjustment separately from the subcontractor’s original quote.
| Comparison | Bid A | Bid B |
|---|---|---|
| Quoted total | $18,000 | $20,000 |
| Wall preparation | Excluded | Included |
| Preparation allowance | +$3,000 assumed | $0 |
| Comparison total | $21,000 | $20,000 |
These are synthetic figures, not market prices or real bids. Assume both quotes cover the same walls, paint specification, access and schedule; Bid A excludes preparation. The $3,000 allowance is an estimator’s assumption, not a revised subcontractor quote. Confirm preparation scope and obtain a price before awarding work.
Even after leveling, review schedule, qualifications, warranty, taxes and remaining exclusions. A comparison total helps expose a scope gap; it does not select the subcontractor for you.
The spreadsheets are editable XLSX files. Review every quantity and price for your own project.
Common questions
Can I edit the templates in Excel?
Yes. The estimate and bid comparison workbooks are XLSX files. Keep an unchanged copy, fill in your own project scope, and check formulas after adding or moving rows.
What should I do when a bidder leaves scope out?
Record the exclusion beside the original quote. Request a written clarification or revised quote. If you need a provisional comparison, label your allowance and its basis so it is not mistaken for the bidder’s price.
Do these templates include local construction prices?
No. Enter current project-specific quotes or supported unit rates. The worked example uses invented numbers only to explain bid comparison.
Need quantities first? Request a free construction takeoff. To work through plans in your AI chat, use the Claude and ChatGPT starter kit.