Evergreen · consumer checklist

How to read a contractor quote

Page updated Nov 3, 2026 · FTC consumer page fetched 2026-11-03 (America/New_York)

A planning range from our ZIP calculator is homework — not a bid. When three envelopes show up, you still have to read the scopes. Here’s a plain checklist grounded in current FTC consumer guidance.

What a written estimate should include

The FTC’s page How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam (consumer.ftc.gov) says a written estimate should describe the work, materials, completion date, and price — and that you shouldn’t automatically pick the lowest bidder. Before you sign a contract, that same page says to make sure it includes the contractor’s name, address, phone, and license number; estimated start and completion dates; promises about scope, labor, and materials; and (when you signed at home or away from their permanent place of business) a written statement of your right to cancel within three business days. Fill every blank.

How we use that next to Fairange numbers

Line items beat vibes. Ask each bidder to break out labor, materials, permits, haul-away, and allowances. Our mid is OEWS wages × published hours + a materials band — see methodology — so a quote that’s thousands under without explaining exclusions deserves a question, not a celebration.
Same scope, same house. “Replace the water heater” isn’t the same as “replace the water heater, expansion tank, pan, and haul-away.” Align scopes before you compare dollars.
Licensed and insured. The FTC says to consider only contractors who are licensed and insured, confirm the license with your state or county, and ask for proof of insurance.

Red flags (FTC patterns)

From the same FTC article: door-knockers who are “in the area,” leftover-materials pitches, pressure for an immediate decision, demands to pay everything up front or cash-only, asking you to pull the permits, or steering you to a lender they know. Pay by credit card or check when you can; never make the final payment until the work is done and you’re satisfied.

A simple compare sheet

Run the job on your ZIP in the calculator and note the low / mid / high.
Collect at least two other written estimates (FTC: get multiple estimates).
Highlight exclusions. Anything missing from one bid that another includes is not a discount — it’s a different job.
Keep copies of invoices and the signed contract.

Not legal advice. Contract rules vary by state. The FTC page is consumer education; your state AG or licensing board has the local details.

Open the calculator Methodology Job guides

Primary source: FTC — How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam (fetched 2026-11-03). Related: FTC — scams after weather emergencies.