Quotes Comparison

Client

Sample Homeowner

Project

Garage conversion ADU, 400 SF

Area

San Fernando Valley

Proposals

3 compared

Category	Contractor A	Contractor B	Contractor C
Price	$128K	$156K	$142K
Timeline	4-5 mo	5-6 mo	4 mo
Plans + permits	✓	✓	◐
Scope clarity	Basic	Detailed	Moderate
Scope coverage	Structure only	Full scope	Partial scope
Finish materials	✗	✓	◐
Utilities / panel	?	✓	✗
Payment schedule	?	✓	✓
Missing / unclear	Electrical, finishes	Minor gaps	Materials, utilities

✓ Included◐ Partial✗ Not included? Unclear / to confirm

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SAMPLE

What This Means For You

Key Insights

Contractor A is lowest mainly because finish materials and the utility work are left out.
Contractor B prices the full scope, which explains most of the gap.
Contractor C sits between the two, with partial materials and no utility work.

Gaps to Watch

Finish materials are not priced the same way in all three proposals.
Only one proposal covers the utility connections and a possible panel upgrade.
Two proposals do not spell out the payment schedule. Ask for it in writing.

What This Means

A lower starting number can grow once the missing scope is added during the build.
A more complete proposal means fewer surprises and less coordination on your side.
Getting every contractor to price the same scope is the only way to compare them fairly.

When Each Option Makes Sense

If you want the lowest starting cost and are comfortable sourcing finishes and handling the utility work separately.

If you want a more complete, lower-risk project with less involvement on your end.

If you want a middle ground and are ready to pin down the missing items before signing.

This comparison is an independent review prepared for the homeowner's planning purposes. Build Advisor CA is not a licensed contractor, architect, or engineer, does not perform construction work, and does not endorse any contractor. Figures are taken from the proposals provided; confirm all scope, pricing, and terms directly with each contractor before making a decision.

@buildadvisorca · buildadvisorca.com · info@buildadvisorca.com