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How do you compare proposals without comparing different jobs?

You can only compare two proposals fairly after you normalize the scope. First line up quantities, products/allowances, preparation, exclusions, professional responsibilities and completion boundary; then compare price.

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OttoServ project guidance · Updated

The answer

Here’s what actually matters.

You can only compare two proposals fairly after you normalize the scope. First line up quantities, products/allowances, preparation, exclusions, professional responsibilities and completion boundary; then compare price.

Why totals alone mislead

A lower proposal may simply include less demolition, preparation, restoration or documentation. A higher proposal may include more work—or may just cost more. The scope tells you which.

Put these side by side

  • quantities/areas
  • materials/products/allowances
  • demolition/preparation
  • installation labor
  • permits/trade responsibilities
  • restoration/cleanup
  • warranty/closeout

Then compare the risk

  • what remains unknown
  • what can become an extra
  • how changes are approved
  • what is excluded

Bottom line

Compare the same job before you compare the price.

The next useful question

What counts as useful proof of work?

Useful project evidence proves a specific thing. A finish photo can show appearance; it cannot prove concealed preparation. A permit closeout can show an inspection occurred; it does not prove every cosmetic detail. Good evidence matches the claim being made.

Related questions in this guide.

What to expect

What happens after you send OttoServ a project?

After you send OttoServ a project, the first job is to understand the work—not automatically dispatch somebody. Otto uses your description, photos and project details to identify what is clear, what is missing, whether a licensed trade or site visit is needed, and what the next decision should be.

Before you commit

How should project pricing and scope changes be handled?

A project price is only as reliable as the scope and assumptions behind it. The clean way to handle changes is to separate the original included work from newly discovered conditions or owner-requested changes, then price the difference before the work proceeds when reasonably possible.

Put the guidance in context

Choose the OttoServ path that fits your role.

The library explains the work. These pages explain how OttoServ helps move that work from a question into an organized project path.

Homeowners & property ownersRepairs, improvements and property projects without doing all the chasing.General contractorsDefined work packages, overflow capacity and project support.Real estate investorsRehab, repair, turnover and property-work decisions.Subcontractors & field partnersScoped opportunities, clear terms and documented completion expectations.

From the answer to the actual project

Bring us what you’re dealing with.

You do not need to know the technical answer before you start. Tell Otto what you see, what you want, and what matters most.

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Requests are reviewed for scope, location, qualified availability and applicable requirements. Submission does not confirm price, scheduling or acceptance.

Planning guidance, not a site assessment, construction specification or substitute for project terms. Required licenses, permits, inspections and professional responsibilities depend on the actual scope and jurisdiction.

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