InstaBidsHow to compare contractor quotes apples to apples (2026)
Three contractors, three quotes for the same job, and none of them match. Here's how to make contractor quotes actually comparable, using what the Federal Trade Commission and Consumers' Checkbook, a nonprofit consumer group, say.
Chapters
Transcript
0:00 Why don't my contractor quotes match?
You asked three contractors for a quote on the same job. One is short and vague, one is three pages long, and one doesn't mention materials at all. So which one is actually cheaper? You can't tell, because they aren't quoting the same job.
Here's how to fix that, using what the Federal Trade Commission and a nonprofit consumer group say. This is instabids.ai.
0:25 Why are contractor quotes so different?
Consumers' Checkbook, a nonprofit consumer group, had undercover shoppers ask contractors to bid on the same three projects. The quotes for the same job were far apart. And here's the part most people don't expect. Checkbook again: 'there is no relationship between price and quality.'
A higher quote doesn't mean better work, and a lower one doesn't mean a worse job. It often means they're pricing different things.
0:52 What should a written estimate include?
The FTC's advice is specific: 'A written estimate should include a description of the work to be done, materials, completion date, and the price.' If a quote is missing any of those four, you can't compare it. Ask for them in writing before you compare anything.
1:10 How many quotes should I get?
The FTC says simply: 'Get multiple estimates.' Checkbook puts a number on it: 'Get at least three, but more is better.'
1:20 Is the lowest bid the best bid?
Not automatically. The FTC: 'Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder. And ask for an explanation if there's a big difference among the estimates.' A low number that leaves out materials, cleanup or permits isn't low. It's incomplete.
1:36 How do I make quotes actually comparable?
Here's a simple method that helps. Write the job down once: what you want done, the materials, and when. Give every contractor that same written scope. Ask each one to price exactly that scope, line by line. If someone wants to change the scope, ask them to show it as a separate option, not mixed into the price.
And watch for allowances, placeholder amounts for things you haven't picked yet, like a fixture or a countertop. Two quotes with different allowances aren't comparable until you line those numbers up.
2:08 Before you sign
Before you sign, the FTC says: 'Read the contract carefully.' Make sure it includes 'an estimated start and completion date' and 'any promises made during conversations or calls related to issues such as the scope of work and the cost of labor and materials'.
'And, make sure all blank spaces are filled in.' On money: 'Don't pay the full amount for the project up front. Some states actually limit the amount of money a contractor can ask for as a down payment.' 'And never make the final payment until the work is done and you're satisfied with it.'
2:45 How InstaBids does this
This is the problem InstaBids is built around. You describe the job once, with photos, and it becomes one written scope card. Contractors in your trade bid on that same scope, so you compare like with like. Nobody needs to come to your house just to give you a number, and your contact details stay locked until you pick a contractor and they confirm the connection.
InstaBids. Describe it once, compare real bids.
Sources quoted in the video
- Source: FTC, How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam, read 14 October 2026.
- Source: Consumers' Checkbook, Getting Prices and Proposals for Remodeling Work, read 14 October 2026.