Two quotes for 'the same job' can differ by thousands because they include different things. Knowing how to read a quote lets you compare fairly and avoid surprise costs mid-project.
Scope and exclusions
A good quote describes exactly what's included and, just as importantly, what's excluded. Vague one-line quotes invite disputes. Read the exclusions carefully — that's where 'extra' costs hide.
Allowances
Allowances are budget placeholders for items you haven't chosen yet, like tile or fixtures. A low allowance makes a quote look cheaper but means you'll pay more when you pick real products. Compare allowances between bids.
Payment and timeline
Look for a milestone-based payment schedule, not a big upfront lump sum, plus a start date, rough timeline, and how change orders are priced. These protect you if the project drags or scope changes.