UTILITYMATH

Free homeowner and contractor tool

Compare the whole job—not just the bottom line.

Enter two proposals for the same project. Mark only what each written quote clearly covers, then add expected costs that sit outside the quoted total. Your information stays in this browser.

Use the same project assumptions for both quotes.
If one contractor is pricing different work, the totals are not yet comparable.

For each line: Included = clearly covered in writing Allowance = only a limited amount is covered Excluded = you or someone else pays Unknown = the quote does not answer it
Project scope and responsibility
Contractor A
Contractor B

Contractor A

Adjusted project estimate

$0

Cost beyond quote$0
Clearly included0 of 22
Allowances0
Exclusions0
Unanswered0
Unpriced open items0

Scope risk: —

Contractor B

Adjusted project estimate

$0

Cost beyond quote$0
Clearly included0 of 22
Allowances0
Exclusions0
Unanswered0
Unpriced open items0

Scope risk: —

Before hiring

Questions still requiring written answers

Draft saves on this device.

Contractor A

    Contractor B

      How to use this honestly

      “We normally handle that” is not included. Mark Included only when the proposal, scope sheet, contract, drawing, or signed attachment identifies the work, material, limit, and responsible party.

      An allowance is not a fixed price. Enter the amount you reasonably expect to pay above it. When you have no estimate, leave the dollars at zero and keep the item marked Allowance or Unknown so the unpriced risk remains visible.

      What this comparison cannot decide

      The adjusted estimate combines the written quote with the outside costs you enter. Scope risk reflects missing or unclear items. It does not verify workmanship, licensing requirements, insurance coverage, references, contract enforceability, code compliance, or whether a contractor is right for your project.

      Comparing manufactured-home retailer proposals? Use the specialized version →

      Reviewed for practical use by Gary · Designed by Gary & Quinnlan Rae

      Clear quotes build better projects

      Need help organizing the decisions behind the price?

      UtilityMath provides free planning tools for costs, responsibilities, utilities, and expensive unknowns before money moves.

      See every free tool →