Compare builder quotes like for like

Two quotes for the same house can differ by hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the cheaper one isn’t always cheaper. Enter up to three quotes, mark what each includes, and the checker shows the gaps and the questions to ask.

Why quotes are hard to compare

• Exclusions. One builder includes demolition, site work and permits; another lists them as “by owner”. The second looks cheaper until you pay for them.
• Allowances. A quote sets aside a dollar amount for things you haven’t picked yet, such as cabinets, appliances, tile and lighting. Low allowances make a price look good, then you pay the difference when you choose real finishes.
• Contract type. A fixed price is a promise; a cost-plus number is an estimate plus the builder’s fee. A guaranteed maximum price sits in between. See fixed price vs cost-plus.
• Terms. Deposit, payment schedule, schedule and warranty all carry real value.

What the checker flags

• Lines a quote leaves out, and lines it doesn’t make clear
• Allowances well below another builder’s for the same item
• A price per square foot below the lowest that Northern Virginia builders publish ($250)
• Cost-plus without a stated fee or cap, a missing schedule, a missing warranty, or a large deposit

How to use the results

Send each builder the same written list of questions and ask them to fill in the gaps. Then ask for a revised quote that includes the same scope as the others. Only then compare prices. Nothing you type leaves your device; the link holds your numbers so you can come back or share it.