Guide
How to compare outdoor-living proposals apples-to-apples
Two proposals that look similar on price can describe very different projects. Before comparing totals, compare written scope across the same categories.
The 11 categories every proposal should make clear
- Scope. Services, quantities, areas, materials, manufacturers.
- Exclusions. What is explicitly NOT included — written, not implied.
- Assumptions. Site conditions, access, soil, utilities, weather.
- Site preparation. Demo, haul-off, excavation, grading, drainage, base, compaction.
- Utilities. Electrical, gas, plumbing, low voltage, irrigation, sleeves, conduit.
- Permits / HOA / Engineering. Who handles each — and whose fees are included.
- Timeline. Preconstruction, design, engineering, permits, lead times, inspections.
- Payment terms. Deposit, milestones, final payment, change-order timing.
- Change orders. Written process, pricing method, schedule impact, approval.
- Warranty. Workmanship, manufacturer, exclusions, transferability, support process.
- Customer responsibilities. Access, HOA docs, selections, pets, removals, decisions.
Why one proposal may be lower
A lower total often reflects a smaller project, lower-spec materials, or owner-shouldered responsibilities. Common causes:
- Missing demolition, haul-off, or site protection
- Missing drainage, grading, or base preparation
- Missing engineering, permit, or HOA coordination
- Lower-grade product or unspecified manufacturer
- Limited or unclear warranty
- Excluded utility work
- Specialty scope routed through a separate vendor
None of these are automatically bad — but they should be explicit and acknowledged before you compare totals.
Use the tool
The Proposal Scope Scorecard walks you through these categories on a real proposal and flags items that are missing or unclear. Pair it with the License Check for full due diligence.
Educational planning guidance only. Not legal advice, engineering advice, code determinations, or a hiring recommendation.