Two quotes for the same job can be hundreds or thousands of dollars apart, and most of the gap is usually in what each one leaves out. Before comparing totals, line the quotes up against the same list. This is the list we use across our trades.
What every written quote should state
- The scope, in plain words. What will be done, where, and what will not be done.
- Who supplies what. Materials, equipment, cleaning products, disposal containers, permits.
- Timing. Start date or window, how long the work takes, and for recurring work the visit days and times.
- What changes the price. Hidden damage, extra visits, after-hours work, access problems.
- Clean-up and disposal. Who removes debris, old equipment or waste, and where it goes.
- Payment terms. Deposit, progress payments, and when the balance is due.
If one quote lists these and another does not, ask the second company to put the same items in writing before you decide.
Cleaning: offices, clinics, stores and homes
For commercial and office cleaning, the quote should list each area (offices, washrooms, kitchen, entrances, floors), how often each task is done, and who supplies paper, soap and liners. For medical clinics, ask how exam rooms and high-touch surfaces are handled and whether a written cleaning log is kept. For move-out cleaning, check whether inside the oven, fridge and cabinets is included, because that is where many quotes differ.
Roofing, gutters and the outside of the building
A roof replacement quote should name the shingle or membrane, the underlayment, what happens at the eaves and valleys, ventilation, and how rotten decking is priced if it is found. For gutters, look for the gutter size, the number and size of downspouts, where the water is sent, and whether guards are included or extra.
Plumbing, HVAC and electrical
For plumbing and drains, a sewer quote should come after a camera inspection and say which method is proposed (spot repair, open trench or trenchless) and how the yard or driveway is restored. For HVAC replacement, ask for the equipment size, how it was sized for the building, and what is reused (ducts, line set, thermostat). For electrical work, check that permits and inspection are included in the price and not added later.
Snow removal and grounds
A snow removal quote should say the trigger depth for plowing, whether salting is per visit or included, how walkways are handled, and where the snow is piled or hauled. Seasonal contracts and per-push pricing behave very differently in a heavy winter, so ask for both if you are unsure.
Pest control, mold and foundations
For pest control, the quote should name the pests, the treatment method, the number of follow-up visits and what you need to do before each visit. For mold remediation, ask how the moisture source will be found and fixed, because removing mold without fixing the water problem means it comes back. A foundation or waterproofing quote should say whether the work is inside or outside, how deep, and what drainage is added.
How to compare two quotes fairly
- Put both quotes side by side against the list above.
- Mark every item one quote includes and the other does not.
- Ask each company to price the missing items, in writing.
- Compare the totals only after both cover the same work.
The cheapest quote is often the one with the shortest scope. A slightly higher price that includes disposal, permits and clean-up can end up costing less.
Frequently asked questions
Should a quote always be in writing?
Yes. A written quote protects both sides: you know what you are paying for, and the company knows exactly what it agreed to do. A verbal price is hard to hold anyone to when the job changes.
Why do quotes for the same job vary so much?
Most of the difference comes from scope: materials, disposal, permits, the number of visits, and what happens if hidden damage is found. Put the quotes against the same checklist before comparing prices.
Is a site visit needed before a quote?
For most building work, yes. Roofing, sewer lines, HVAC, foundations and commercial cleaning all depend on things that are hard to see in photos. Photos help a company give a first range, and the site visit confirms it.
How do I ask for a quote from Ashford Group?
Email the service, the address and the timing, with photos if you have them. We reply with a price, or with the questions we need answered to price it.