What To Ask Before Signing A Contractor Estimate

The last ten minutes before signing are the cheapest time to ask for clarity in writing.

What to check on the estimate

Written scope with inclusions and exclusions
License and insurance verification
Named crew or subcontractors
Milestone schedule and completion window
Change-order process in writing
Cleanup, protection, and daily site handling

Questions worth asking

Can I get the full scope, inclusions, and exclusions in writing?
Can you provide your license number and current insurance certificate?
Who will actually be on site, employees or subcontractors?
What is the start date and the completion window?
How will change orders be documented and approved?
How will you protect floors and clean up daily?

Run your own quote

Paste or upload the estimate and the auditor returns the sections it found, the sections that look missing or unclear, and a question list you can send to the contractor.

Open Quote Auditor

Educational checklist only. Not legal, engineering, pricing, contractor, or building-code advice. Verify everything with your own licensed professional.