Home › Homeowner Toolkit › Contractor Comparison Worksheet

Contractor Comparison Worksheet

Put three bids side by side on identical terms: verification, scope, materials, warranty, price, and gut check — the fair fight the door-knock is designed to prevent.

Get at least two bids — three is better — and compare them on identical terms. A bid that resists this worksheet ("we can’t itemize," "price is only good today") has answered your question. Fill one column per contractor.

Verification

Printable log — columns: Check, Contractor A, Contractor B, Contractor C.

Verification rows (mark ✓/✗ per contractor above)

• License verified on state/city site (not just a number on a card)
• GL + workers’ comp certificates received from the insurer
• Physical local address, verified via business registration
• In business locally 3+ years
• References from 1+ year-old local jobs — called them
• Manufacturer certification verified on manufacturer site

The bid (compare line by line)

• Itemized scope in writing (tear-off, decking, underlayment, ice & water, vents, flashing)
• Exact shingle brand and line named
• Total price — and what triggers a change order
• Payment schedule (red flag: large cash deposit)
• Start window and estimated duration
• Cleanup and magnetic nail sweep included
• Workmanship warranty: years, and what it covers, in writing
• Manufacturer warranty they can register for you
• Lien waiver on final payment
• No assignment-of-benefits clause anywhere in the contract

Gut check (per contractor)

• Answered questions without friction? (A / B / C)
• Pressured me to sign quickly? (A / B / C)
• Would I hire them without insurance money involved? (A / B / C)
• Decision & why

More in Print & Keep

• Storm Inspection Checklist
• Claim Documentation Worksheet
• Home Inventory Template
• No Soliciting Sign

• Live interactive hail map — watch storms in real time
• Hail maps by state and city