Describe the physical job
Capacity, access, equipment, hazards, disposal, and exclusions can move a legitimate quote.
Know what the quote includes before you sign.
Build a transparent regional planning range, see what may be missing, and review the questions worth asking before you approve the work.
- No signup
- No phone number
- No contractor matching
Transparent Itemized assumptionsRegional ZIP-aware planning basisIndependent No sales funnelPrivate Inputs stay in the browser
Start with the project you need to review.
Each checker explains the components behind its planning range, loads the current validated public model when available, and keeps the model limits visible.
Plumbing
Water Heater Replacement
Separate equipment, labor, code upgrades, venting, permits, and haul-away.
Review this projectHeating & cooling
HVAC Replacement
Compare equipment, labor, permits, and common installation extras.
Review this projectIndoor air
Air Duct Cleaning
Estimate a written scope and flag unusually low whole-home offers.
Review this projectOutdoor projects
Tree Removal
Model tree size, trunk mass, access risk, rigging, stump grinding, and disposal.
Review this projectConsumer audit standard
Compare scope first. Compare totals second.
Read the itemized range
Equipment, trade labor, permits, materials, and optional work remain visible instead of disappearing into a proprietary score.
Verify the address-level rules
A ZIP can select a regional planning basis, but only the authority having jurisdiction can confirm permits and adopted code.
Source-backed guides
Understand the written scope before comparing the total.
Use these independent guides to review common omissions, technical limits, and questions worth putting in writing.
Cost breakdownHVAC replacement cost breakdown: what a complete quote should separateUnderstand HVAC equipment, installation labor, permits, ductwork, electrical work, commissioning, disposal, and warranty before comparing quotes.Quote red flagsHVAC quote red flags: eight items to resolve before signingCheck an HVAC replacement proposal for missing model numbers, sizing evidence, permits, commissioning, exclusions, warranty terms, and change-order risks.Cost breakdownWater heater replacement cost breakdown: equipment, labor, code work, and permitsSeparate water-heater equipment, ordinary installation, venting, gas or electrical work, code items, permits, disposal, and relocation costs.Quote red flagsWater heater quote red flags: vague code fees, missing scope, and rushed replacementsReview a water-heater quote for vague code-upgrade fees, missing permit or haul-away scope, conversion costs, sizing gaps, and pressure tactics.Cost breakdownTree removal cost breakdown: size, risk, rigging, access, stump, and disposalUnderstand how tree size, trunk mass, condition, access, structures, power lines, rigging, crane work, stump grinding, and disposal affect a quote.Quote red flagsTree removal quote red flags: insurance, utilities, cleanup, and change ordersReview a tree-removal proposal for insurance, power-line, permit, access, rigging, crane, cleanup, stump, deposit, and storm-pressure risks.Cost breakdownAir duct cleaning cost breakdown: scope, system count, access, and evidenceCompare air-duct cleaning scope, system count, access, contamination evidence, HVAC components, sanitizer, and fixed-price terms.Quote red flagsAir duct cleaning red flags: the $99 offer, health claims, and onsite upsellsCheck a duct-cleaning offer for $99 bait pricing, per-vent upsells, unsupported mold or health claims, EPA-certification claims, ozone, and vague scope.
Browse all quote-review guides →