← Contractor Quote AuditorWhat to check on the estimate
- Named primary material and model
- Substitution requires equal-or-better spec
- Written notice before substituting
- No price increase on downgrade
- Warranty parity of the substitute
- Your right to approve or decline
Questions worth asking
- What is the primary material or model you are pricing?
- If unavailable, will the substitute be equal or better spec?
- Will I get written notice before any substitution?
- If a cheaper substitute is used, is the price reduced?
- Does the substitute carry the same warranty?
- Can I decline a substitution and wait for the original?
Run your own quote
Paste or upload the estimate. The free scan lists the sections it found, the sections that look missing or unclear, and a question list you can send to the contractor. It does not tell you whether a price is fair, because that is not something a document review can answer.
Open the free scanSee a sample reportAll sample reportsFrequently asked
Why do substitutions happen?
Supply availability, discontinued lines and lead times. The point is that it should be a documented decision rather than a surprise.
Is "or equal" language acceptable?
It is common. Pair it with written notice and warranty parity so "equal" is not decided unilaterally.
Free checklists
Printable checklists you can take into the conversation.
Free checklistsEducational checklist only. Not legal, engineering, pricing, contractor-vetting, or building-code advice. This does not decide whether a price is fair or which contractor to hire. Verify everything with your own licensed professional and your local building department.
Independent tool. No contractor marketplace, no lead selling, no referral fees. Payment is not enabled, so nothing on this site can charge you.