The Ultimate Guide to Verifying a Contractor's Written Proposal

A contractor's proposal is more than a price tag; it's the blueprint for your entire project. A vague proposal is the number one source of disputes, cost overruns, and frustration. A detailed, clear proposal sets the stage for a smooth, predictable, and successful outcome.

Here is how to dissect a proposal to ensure nothing is left to chance.

Step 1: The Foundation - Is it a Contract or a Quote?

First, understand what you're holding. A one-page "Quote" with just a total price is a major red flag. You need a comprehensive Proposal or Scope of Work that can be legally turned into a contract upon signature.

What to Look For: The document should be several pages long, with detailed sections. It should be titled "Proposal," "Scope of Work," or "Agreement."

Step 2: The 7-Point Checklist for a Rock-Solid Proposal

Go through the proposal line by line with this checklist. A "Yes" on all points indicates a professional who has thought through the details.

1. Project Overview & Parties Involved:

• Is it specific? It should include your full name and address (the "Owner") and the contractor's full legal business name and address.

• Is there a project description? It should state the project's purpose clearly. e.g., "Tenant Improvement for new office space at 123 Main St., Suite 400," not just "Office remodel."

2. Detailed Scope of Work:

• This is the heart of the proposal. It must be exhaustively specific. It should read like a set of instructions.

• What to Look For:

  • Phases of Work: Is site preparation, demolition, construction, and cleanup mentioned?

  • Specifics, Not Generics: It should say "Framing of (6) new interior walls using 3-5/8" metal studs, 16" on center," not "Build new walls."

  • Materials Specified: It must list brands, grades, models, colors, and sizes. e.g., "Install USG Sheetrock UltraLight Panels, 5/8", Firecode X," not "Install drywall."

  • Inclusions/Exclusions are Crystal Clear: Is painting included? What about electrical or plumbing rough-in? Disposal of old materials? A professional proposal will have a section titled "Exclusions" or "Owner Responsibilities" that states what they are not providing.

    
    

3. Project Timeline & Milestones:

• Is there a start date and a substantial completion date?

• Are there key milestones? e.g., "Demolition Complete," "Framing & Rough-In Inspection Passed," "Drywall Finished." This helps you track progress.

• What is the policy on delays? It should acknowledge that weather, material availability, or unforeseen conditions (like behind-wall rot) can cause delays and outline how they will communicate them.

  
  

4. Total Price and Payment Schedule:

• Is the total price clear? It should be a fixed price for the defined scope, not an "estimate."

• Is the payment schedule reasonable? Be very wary of a contractor who demands 50% or more upfront.

  • A professional schedule looks like this:

    • Deposit upon signing: 10-20%

    • Progress payment upon completion of framing: 25%

    • Progress payment upon completion of drywall: 25%

    • Final payment upon project completion and your walk-through: 20-30%

• How are change orders handled? There must be a clause stating that any changes to the scope must be documented in a written "Change Order" with a revised price and timeline, signed by both parties.

5. Material & Workmanship Warranty:

• Is there a written warranty? For how long? (e.g., "1-year limited warranty on workmanship.")

• What does it cover? It should cover both defects in materials and faults in the installation.

• Who honors it? Is it the contractor's own warranty or through a manufacturer?

6. Insurance & Licensing:

• Does the proposal include their license number? This makes it easy to verify.

• Does it state they carry liability and workers' compensation insurance? This is a sign of professionalism.

7. Permits and Inspections:

• Who is responsible? The proposal must explicitly state who will pull the necessary permits ("The Contractor shall secure all required building permits").

• Who pays for them? It should list the permit fees as a line item.

• Who coordinates inspections? This should be the contractor's responsibility.

Step 3: The Red Flag Test - What to Reject Immediately

Walk away from a proposal that exhibits any of these:

• 🚩 Vague Language: Words like "including all necessary labor and materials," without specifying what they are.

• 🚩 Large Upfront Payment: A demand for more than 30-40% down before any work begins.

• 🚩 No Clear Process for Changes: The phrase "We'll work it out as we go" is a recipe for budget disaster.

• 🚩 Pressure to Sign: "This price is only good for today."

• 🚩 Permits are Your Responsibility: A professional contractor manages their own permits.

• 🚩 No Warranty Mentioned.

Why WallPro's Proposals Are Built for Your Peace of Mind

At WallPro Systems and Construction Inc., we believe a clear proposal is the foundation of a trusted partnership. Our proposals are designed to eliminate surprises.

• They are exhaustive in detail, leaving no room for ambiguity about materials, methods, or expectations.

• We use a fair, milestone-based payment schedule that ties payments to visible, completed work.

• Our change order process is clearly defined to protect your budget and our timeline if adjustments are needed.

• We include our licensing and insurance information upfront and clearly state that we handle all permitting.

  
  

A detailed proposal isn't just paperwork—it's your first glimpse into a contractor's professionalism, organization, and respect for your investment.

Ready to see the difference a transparent, detailed proposal makes? Contact WallPro for a consultation and receive a comprehensive, no-obligation scope of work for your project.

Request Your Detailed Proposal or Call Us at +639175156755

The Ultimate Guide to Verifying a Contractor's Written Proposal