Common differences
- Different products: capacity, material or grade
- Scope: one quote repairs a symptom, the other fixes the cause
- Code work, permits and inspections included or left out
- Haul-away, patching and restoration included or extra
- Flat-rate pricing versus time and materials
- How thoroughly the problem was diagnosed before quoting
How to compare fairly
Put the quotes side by side and check that each names the same work, the same materials and the same extras. Ask each company what its quote includes that the other might not, and what would change the price once work begins.
What a good quote shows
A written description of the work, the materials, what is and is not included, and what happens if something unexpected is found. Vague quotes are harder to compare and easier to change.