To compare home addition proposals fairly, line them up on scope first, not price. Two proposals can look similar on the last page while covering very different work, so the most useful comparison starts with what each one includes, what it assumes, and what it leaves out.
If you are at the stage where you have two or three serious proposals in hand, this guide offers a neutral framework for reading them side by side. It does not name or rate any company. It is meant to help you ask better questions of whoever you are considering, including us. For earlier-stage questions, see our articles on choosing a home addition contractor in Maryland and home addition cost in Maryland.
Key Takeaways
- Compare scope before price. A lower number may reflect less included work.
- Check site assumptions. Proposals should state what they assume about soil, existing conditions, and utilities.
- Allowances need a close look. Who sets them, what they cover, and what happens when selections exceed them can differ widely.
- Ask how changes are handled. A clear change process matters on a project this large.
- Warranty, design responsibility, and exclusions are part of the proposal, not fine print.
What Should You Compare First: Scope or Price?
Scope. A price only means something when you know what it buys. Start by reading each proposal for the physical work it describes: the size of the addition, the foundation type, framing, roofing, windows and doors, insulation, interior finishes, mechanical work, and exterior tie-in to the existing house.
A helpful exercise is to build your own checklist from the most detailed proposal, then see which items appear in the others. Gaps do not always signal a problem, since proposals may be organized differently. They do tell you what to ask about.
What Site Assumptions Does Each Proposal Make?
Every addition rests on assumptions about the site. Look for statements about excavation, soil conditions, drainage, utility connections, existing structures that must be moved or removed, and access for equipment. If a proposal is silent on these, ask how the contractor plans to handle them.
Proposals that explain what happens if conditions differ from the assumptions give you more to work with than those that do not mention it. Neither approach is automatically better, but you should know which one you are looking at.
How Do Allowances and Selections Work?
Allowances are placeholder amounts for items that have not been chosen yet, such as tile, fixtures, lighting, or cabinets. They keep a proposal moving while selections are still open. They also make comparison tricky, because two proposals may carry very different allowance levels for the same item.
Questions to ask:
- Which items are allowances, and which are fixed?
- What product level does each allowance assume?
- What happens when a selection costs more or less than the allowance?
- When do selections need to be made to keep the schedule on track?
Our article on planning a kitchen remodel budget in Maryland explains allowances in more detail, and the principles carry over to additions.
How Are Schedule and Changes Handled?
Look for a described sequence and an estimated timeline, along with how the contractor communicates delays. Then look at the change process. Even well-planned additions see changes, whether homeowner-driven or from conditions discovered along the way. A good proposal explains how changes are priced, documented, and approved before the work proceeds.
Our guide to how long a home addition takes in Maryland gives context for the phases involved.
Who Is Responsible for Design, Permits, and Warranty?
Proposals divide responsibility differently. Some include design services and permit handling. Others expect you to bring plans or manage parts of the process. Check who is responsible for drawings, engineering, permit applications, and inspections.
Read the warranty section carefully. Note what is covered, for how long, and what the process is for reporting an issue. Also check that the contractor holds the required Maryland license, which you can verify through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.
What Should Be in Writing Before You Sign?
A proposal is a starting point, and the signed agreement is what governs the work. Before you commit, confirm that the scope, price structure, allowances, schedule, change process, and warranty are all written down in a form you understand. Verbal assurances are easy to forget and hard to enforce.
If anything in the agreement differs from what you were told, ask for it to be corrected. Consider having a qualified professional, such as an attorney, review the documents if you have questions about the legal terms. We cannot offer legal advice, and contract terms vary between companies.
How Do You Compare Proposals That Are Organized Differently?
Contractors format proposals in their own way. One may list work by trade, another by phase, a third by room or area. Comparing them directly can feel like comparing a spreadsheet to a narrative.
A practical approach is to build a single worksheet. List scope items down the left side and each contractor across the top. For every item, mark whether it is included, excluded, or unclear. Keep allowances in a separate section so they do not blur the picture. Only after the scope lines are matched does it make sense to look at totals.
Resist the urge to fill in blanks with assumptions. If something is unclear, write it down as a question and ask. The answers often reveal more than the numbers do.
What Questions Should You Ask Each Contractor?
Asking the same questions of each company makes comparison fairer. Consider:
- Can you walk me through what is included and what is not?
- Which items in this proposal are most likely to change, and why?
- Who will manage my project day to day, and how often will I get updates?
- How do you handle conditions that differ from your assumptions?
- What does closeout look like, including final inspections and any punch-list items?
- Can you share references from past clients with similar projects?
Pay attention to how clearly and patiently each person answers. Communication during the proposal stage often reflects communication during the project.
How Do You Make the Final Decision?
Once the scope is lined up, a few considerations can help you decide:
- Clarity. Which proposal and team explained their work most clearly?
- Fit. Which team seemed to understand your goals and constraints?
- Responsiveness. Who answered questions promptly and completely?
- References. What did past clients say, when you asked?
- Price, last. Once the other factors are weighed, how do the comparable numbers stack up?
It is reasonable to take your time. A well-chosen contractor is easier to work with for months than a rushed decision made on a single number.
Proposal Comparison Checklist
Use this table to line up proposals. Fill in each column from what the proposals actually state, and mark blanks as questions.
| Item | What to Look For | Questions if Unclear |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of work | Specific description of size, structure, systems, and finishes | What is not included? |
| Site assumptions | Excavation, soil, drainage, utilities, access | What if conditions differ? |
| Allowances | Which items, what amounts, what product level | What happens above or below the allowance? |
| Selections | Who selects, by when, and from what range | How does timing affect the schedule? |
| Schedule | Phases, estimated duration, communication | How are delays communicated? |
| Change process | Written pricing and approval before work | Who signs off, and how fast? |
| Design and permits | Who produces drawings and handles approvals | Are these services included? |
| Warranty | Coverage, duration, claim process | How are issues reported? |
| Exclusions | Items clearly listed as not included | Are any of them likely to be needed? |
What Red Flags Should You Watch For?
None of these proves a problem on its own, but each one is worth a question:
- A proposal with little detail about what is included
- Large allowances for items that could be specified now
- No mention of site conditions or what happens if they differ
- Vague or missing change procedures
- Unclear responsibility for design, engineering, or permits
- Pressure to decide quickly before you have had time to compare
Avoid judging a proposal by length alone. A shorter document can be clear, and a long one can still leave gaps.
FAQ
Should I choose the lowest proposal?
Price is one input. If the lowest proposal covers less work or carries lower allowances, the comparison is not like for like. Compare scope and assumptions first.
How many proposals should I gather?
There is no required number. Many homeowners find that two or three detailed proposals give enough to compare without becoming overwhelming.
Can I ask a contractor to revise a proposal for comparison?
Often, yes. Asking for clarification or a revision to match scope lines can make a comparison clearer. A contractor’s response can also show how they communicate.
Related Resources from Cornerstone Remodeling
If you want a second set of eyes on a proposal, or a Cornerstone proposal to compare, contact our team or call (410) 336-7011.
