Source-grounded pre-sign check

Check if your quote packet is ready for a real review.

A contractor quote is only useful when the source documents behind it are visible. Check what you have, see what is missing, then decide whether to ask for clarification or order a $49 Red Flag Review.

Check My Packet Check Deposit Risk Check Allowance Risk Check Trade Coverage Get Contractor Questions

Quote packet readiness

Mark what you have in writing.

Do not check a box because the contractor said it verbally. Check it only if you can point to the quote, contract, scope sheet, selection sheet, or written email.

Line-item scope by room or tradeRooms, trades, prep, demo, install, cleanup, and finish work are written down. Allowance amounts and quantitiesSelections explain product category, quantity, tax, delivery, install, markup, and overage rules. Written exclusionsNormal project costs outside the price are listed clearly. Payment schedule tied to milestonesProgress payments connect to work completed, materials ordered, inspections, or closeout. Change-order approval and markup rulesExtra work requires written approval and explains labor, material, markup, timing, and payment. Permits, inspections, and code responsibilityThe packet says who handles permits, inspections, design updates, engineering, and code changes. Schedule assumptions and start conditionsThe contractor states what must happen before work starts and what can move the finish date. Punch list, cleanup, and closeout termsThe packet explains final cleanup, punch-list signoff, warranty documents, and final payment. License, insurance, and warranty paperworkCurrent paperwork is available before the deposit or contract signature.

Source panel

What good source coverage looks like.

Comparable scope

Same rooms, trades, prep, installation, finishes, and cleanup so two bids can be compared.

Cost assumptions

Allowances, quantities, owner-supplied materials, exclusions, permits, and likely overages.

Money movement

Deposit, progress payments, milestone evidence, holdback, and final payment conditions.

Decision record

Written answers that turn vague quote language into something you can review before signing.

This tool is educational and is not legal, inspection, engineering, construction, licensing, lien, contractor-vetting, or financial advice. Bid Before Build reviews quote-risk signals in your source documents and does not guarantee contractor performance or project outcomes.