Comparing two custom home or pool quotes from different builders is harder than it looks. The quotes use different formats, different line item names, and different inclusion/exclusion language. The Side-by-Side Quote hack flattens all the differences into a single comparison spreadsheet that exposes hidden fees instantly. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Create the Master Line Item List
Combine every line item from both quotes into a single master list. If quote A has “site work” and quote B has “excavation” and “foundation prep” — line them all up. Add every line item you can think of even if neither quote mentions it: permits, sewer tap, landscape, final grading.
Step 2: Mark Each Line Item: Included, Allowance, or Excluded
For each builder and each line item, mark one of three statuses: included (fixed price), allowance (open dollar amount), or excluded (not in the quote). The exclusions are where hidden fees hide. The allowances are where overruns happen.
Step 3: Total the Excluded Items
Add up the dollar value of items excluded from each quote. The ‘cheaper’ quote often has 20% more excluded items than the ‘more expensive’ one. The total cost of building isn’t the contract value — it’s contract value plus excluded items.
Step 4: Stress-Test the Allowances
For each allowance, ask the builder: ‘What does this allowance actually buy if I want what’s in your portfolio photos?’ Real-world allowances are usually 1.5x–3x the quoted figure. Adjust the comparison to use realistic allowance numbers.
Step 5: Compare Apples to Apples
Now you have two full project costs that are comparable. The ‘cheaper’ quote might actually be more expensive once excluded items and realistic allowances are factored in. The Side-by-Side Quote hack regularly flips homeowner decisions.
Ready to Get Started?
Good Day Living’s quotes are detailed line by line — easy to compare. Reach out at gdayliving.com or (629) 299-1460.
