Hiring
How do you compare home service quotes fairly?
Compare scope before price. A fair comparison requires each quote to list the exact surfaces included, the method used on each, whether screens, tracks and downspouts are covered, and who is liable for damage. Two quotes with a $200 gap usually differ in scope, not in value.
The short version
Compare scope before price. A fair comparison requires each quote to list the exact surfaces included, the method used on each, whether screens, tracks and downspouts are covered, and who is liable for damage. Two quotes with a $200 gap usually differ in scope, not in value.
- Ask what is explicitly excluded, not just what is included.
- Check whether the price is a flat quote or an hourly estimate.
- Confirm the crew carries liability coverage before work begins.
- Photo documentation at completion is the simplest proof of work quality.
Related questions
- Why are exterior cleaning quotes so different?
- Because scope varies wildly — one quote may cover a driveway only while another includes walkways, patio and a soft-washed exterior.
- Should I always pick the lowest quote?
- Only if the scope genuinely matches. Low quotes often exclude the labor-intensive parts of the job or use methods that damage surfaces.
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