Two quotes for the same lateral can look nothing alike. One may cover lining from the cleanout to the street; another may include a new cleanout, a driveway patch and a final camera run. Comparing only the totals rewards whoever left the most out.
Fill in one column per contractor from their written quote. Where a line is blank, ask that contractor to answer it in writing before you decide.
Side-by-side worksheet
| Item | Bid A | Bid B | Bid C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor CSLB license checked at cslb.ca.gov | |||
| Method (spot repair, lining, bursting, trench) | |||
| Start and end points of the work | |||
| Length of pipe covered | |||
| Pipe or liner type and size | |||
| Permit pulled by contractor | |||
| Inspection arranged by contractor | |||
| New cleanout included | |||
| Connection at the street included | |||
| Surface restoration described | |||
| Post-work camera video included | |||
| How unexpected conditions are handled | |||
| Payment schedule | |||
| Total |
How to use it
Start from the same footage
Give every contractor the same camera video so they price the same defects.
Fill every row
Copy each answer from the written quote, not from conversation.
Ask about blanks
Request a written answer for anything missing.
Compare scope first
Only compare totals once each bid covers the same work.
A clear bid versus a vague one
Clear
- Names the method and why it was chosen
- States exact footage and access points
- Lists restoration item by item
- Explains change orders in writing
Vague
- Says only replace sewer line
- No length or end points
- Restoration described as as needed
- No mention of permits or inspection
Follow-up questions for each bidder
- What would cause the final price to change?
- What is excluded from this quote?
- Who will be on site doing the work?
Common questions
How many quotes should I get?
For a large sewer job, two or three written quotes based on the same inspection is a common approach.
What if one contractor recommends a different method?
Ask each to explain their choice against the footage. Different methods can both be reasonable.
Should I share one bid with another contractor?
Share the footage and your worksheet questions rather than the other contractor's pricing.
General information for La Habra, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.