Review a Contractor Quote
Understand what a quote actually covers, spot the red flags, and walk into the conversation knowing exactly what to ask, before you sign anything.
Problem
A contractor handed you a quote for a few thousand dollars and you are not sure what to make of it. Is the price fair? What does it actually include, and what will turn into a surprise charge halfway through? You do not want to overpay, and you really do not want to discover after the work starts that something obvious was left out.
You do not need to become an expert. You need a clear translation of the quote and the right questions to ask. That is what this does.
Gather What to have ready before you start
- The full written quote or estimate (a PDF, or clear photos of every page).
- A one or two sentence description of the job in your own words, so the AI knows what you asked for.
- Any competing quotes for the same work, if you have them.
- The basics of your home if relevant: rough age, size, single or two story.
- Optional but helpful: a photo or two of the area being worked on.
Remove Take the private bits out first. No file editing required.
You do not need to edit a file. Pick whichever is easiest:
- Easiest, skip the document. Just type the line items and prices straight into the chat and leave the personal parts out. The AI only needs the numbers and the scope.
- Cover it, then photograph it. Lay a sticky note or slip of paper over your address or any account number, then take a photo of the quote.
- Scribble it out on your phone. Take a photo, open it, tap Edit or Markup, and draw over the private parts with the pen before sharing.
- Marker on a printout. Black out the sensitive lines with a marker, then snap a picture.
- Card, bank, or account numbers, and any deposit or payment details.
- Your full home address (use your city, or just "my home").
- Any ID numbers: license, insurance policy, anything official.
- Your full name (a first name, or nothing, is fine).
- The contractor's name and private cell number.
- Exact dates and times.
- Every line item and its price.
- Labor, materials, timeline, and warranty terms.
- The description of the work.
Prompt Copy, paste, and fill in the [brackets]
I received a quote from a contractor and I want to understand it before I decide. Act as an experienced, neutral construction project manager who is on my side, not the contractor's. Here is the quote: [paste or type the line items and prices here] The job I asked for is: [describe it in one or two sentences] Please do all of the following, in plain language, assuming I am not a construction expert: 1. Summarize what this quote includes, and just as importantly, what it does NOT include. 2. Translate any jargon or vague line items into everyday English. 3. Flag anything that looks unusual, missing, risky, or like a common upcharge. 4. Tell me which costs look typical, high, or low, and be honest that you cannot see my local rates. 5. Give me a short list of specific questions to ask this contractor before I sign.
Example Both sides: what you paste in, and what comes back
The step 4 prompt, with your details filled in and the private bits removed
The job I asked for: replace the roof on my single-story house. Here is the quote: - Tear-off and disposal of old roof: $1,400 - Architectural shingles (materials): $2,100 - Underlayment: $350 - Flashing around the chimney: $300 - Labor: $1,600 - Miscellaneous materials: $450 Total: $6,200 Timeline: 3 days. 50% deposit due before starting.
A strong response, point by point
What this quote includes
Tear-off and disposal of the old roof, new architectural shingles, new underlayment, flashing around the chimney, and labor.
What it does not mention
- Roof decking replacement. If boards underneath are rotted, this is often found mid-job and billed as an extra. There is no per-board price here.
- Permit and who pulls it. Re-roofs usually need a permit. The quote is silent on this.
- Workmanship warranty length, separate from the shingle manufacturer's warranty.
Jargon, in plain English
"Tear-off" means removing your current roof down to the wood. "Underlayment" is the waterproof layer that goes under the shingles.
Worth a closer look
The "miscellaneous materials, $450" line is vague. Ask for it itemized. The total looks within a normal range for a roof this size, but I cannot see your local labor rates, so treat that as a rough read, not an appraisal.
Questions to ask before you sign
- If you find rotted decking, what is the cost per board, and will you call me before replacing any?
- Does this price include the permit, and will you file it?
- What workmanship warranty do you offer, in writing, and for how long?
- Are the dumpster and haul-away included in this number?
Next Turn the answer into action
- Send the contractor your question list and ask for the answers in writing (email or text is fine).
- If you have other quotes, compare them on the same scope, not just the bottom-line price.
- Ask for proof of license and insurance, and get the final scope and warranty in writing before any work begins.
- Be cautious about large upfront deposits. Norms vary, so ask what is standard in your area.
Warnings Where AI falls short, and when to stop
- The AI cannot see today's local labor and material rates, so treat any price judgment as a flag to investigate, not a verdict.
- It cannot verify the contractor's license, insurance, or reputation. Check those yourself with your state or local board.
- A quote is not a contract. Only what is in the signed agreement counts.
Stop and call a licensed professional for anything structural, electrical, gas, or roofing safety related, and any job that requires a permit. Use this workflow to walk in prepared, not to replace a qualified expert's sign-off.