It is common for slab leak estimates to differ widely, and the reason is usually scope. One may be a spot repair with concrete patching only; another may be a reroute that includes drywall and paint. One may include a permit and the other may leave it out. Until those differences are written side by side, the totals are hard to judge.
Fill in one column per estimate. Leave the price row until last, after you understand what each one covers.
Side-by-side worksheet
| Item | Estimate A | Estimate B | Estimate C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor and CSLB license number (checked?) | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Leak location stated | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Hot or cold side | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Repair method | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Pipe material | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Length or route of new pipe | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Concrete opening and patch included? | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Flooring restoration included? | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Drywall, texture and paint included? | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Permit included? Who pulls it? | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| How the repair will be tested | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Water-off time | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Estimate or fixed price? | ______ | ______ | ______ |
| Total as written | ______ | ______ | ______ |
Making the comparison fair
- Match the method.If one estimate is a spot repair and another a reroute, note that they are different jobs before comparing totals.
- Add the exclusions.For each estimate, list what is excluded and roughly what it would take to get that work done separately.
- Check the evidence.Note which estimates are based on completed leak location and which assume a location.
- Ask about changes.Write down what each contractor said could change the price once work starts.
Clear estimate vs vague estimate
Easier to compare
- Names the leak location and the method
- Lists inclusions and exclusions
- States pipe material and route
- Explains testing and permit responsibility
- Shows the contractor's license number
Harder to compare
- Says only "repair slab leak"
- No mention of patching, flooring or drywall
- No pipe material or route
- No testing or permit details
- No license number on the document
Final questions before choosing
- Which estimate leaves me with the least work to arrange separately?
- Which method best fits the leak history of this house?
- Do I understand every exclusion?
- Have I confirmed every license at cslb.ca.gov?
Common questions
Why does this worksheet have no price guidance?
Prices vary by house, leak and contractor. The worksheet helps you understand what each written estimate includes.
How many estimates should I get?
For major work like a reroute or repipe, many owners compare two or three. For an urgent, clearly located repair, one well-documented estimate may be reasonable.
Should leak location be in the estimate?
It should state where the leak is and how it was found, or say that location is a separate step.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.