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Is My Contractor Quote Too High? — Quote & Contract Checker

Paste or enter contractor quote line items to flag missing scope, exclusions, deposit caps, and vague allowances.

Project & Price Details

Enter the quote price, deposit requested, and your state to check against statutory limits.

$
$

10% or $1,000 (whichever is less)

Written Contract & Scope Checklist

Check each item that is explicitly written in the contractor's quote document.

Contract Score Card — Grade D

This quote has gaps — negotiate before you sign54 / 100 · High risk

Score 54/100 (grade D)

Deposit of $1,200 exceeds California's legal cap of 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less).

Under CA Bus. & Prof. Code § 7159, down payment cannot exceed 10% or $1,000.

Quoted Contract Total
$4,800
Upfront Deposit Requested
$1,200 (25%)
State Deposit Guideline / Limit
10% or $1,000 (whichever is less)
Red Flags Identified
3
Missing Scope / Terms
3

Contract Deficiencies & Flags

Critical Red Flags (3)

  • ✕Deposit of $1,200 exceeds California's legal cap of 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less).
  • ✕Missing: Written change order procedure specified
  • ✕Missing: Payment schedule tied to completed inspections

Missing Terms & Scope Gaps (3)

  • !Missing: Estimated start date and completion timeframe stated
  • !Missing: Written list of explicit exclusions included
  • !Missing: Allowances have specific dollar limits (no open TBDs)

Questions to Ask Contractor Before Signing

6 items

Send these clarifying questions in writing via email or message before paying any deposit:

  1. Can we reduce the upfront deposit to $1000 to comply with local guidelines?
  2. What is the projected start date, estimated duration, and daily working hours for this project?
  3. Could you list explicit exclusions (e.g., drywall patching, painting, or debris hauling) so there are no surprises?
  4. What is your policy for unexpected site conditions, and will change orders require written approval before work?
  5. Are allowance dollar limits based on realistic current retail costs for materials?
  6. Can we structure the progress payments to coincide with completed milestone inspections rather than fixed calendar dates?

True Trade Path · Quote checker

This quote has gaps — negotiate before you sign

54/100

Plumber · $4,800 quoted · Grade D

3 red flag(s) · 3 scope gap(s) · Screenshot or copy below for Reddit / email

Copy Reddit-ready score card

Plain-text summary with flags and questions — paste into r/HomeImprovement or email.

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Quick answer

A complete contractor quote should detail exact material specifications, explicit written exclusions, milestone payments, labor warranty terms, and the contractor's state license number. Deposits should never exceed 10% to 30% (or statutory limits like California's $1,000 cap). Use this tool to evaluate quote line items, flag red flags, and generate a question list before signing.

What this assumes

  • Checks evaluate residential trade and remodeling contracts against consumer protection standards.
  • Deposit checks apply state statutory caps where enacted (e.g., California 10% or $1,000 max; PA/NY/CT/MD guidelines).
  • A missing term is an opportunity to negotiate written clarification, not immediate evidence of bad intent.

Important

Never pay more than 30% down (or your state legal cap) or release final payment until all permits pass inspection and a lien waiver is signed. Always verify active licenses and insurance directly.

Understanding the result

Why vague scope leads to costly change orders

Quotes stating 'replace plumbing' or 'install tile' without brand, model numbers, linear feet, or sheet counts create friction. If materials cost more than the contractor assumed, they will pass the difference to you through change orders.

State deposit limits protect your leverage

Several states regulate residential contractor deposits by statute. For example, California limits deposits to 10% or $1,000, whichever is less. Paying excessive money upfront removes the contractor's incentive to finish promptly.

Explicit exclusions protect both parties

A complete quote explicitly lists what is NOT included — such as drywall patching after pipe repair, utility trench backfill, permit fees, or debris disposal. Without an exclusions clause, you may face surprise bills from follow-up trades.

Managing material allowances safely

An allowance is a budget placeholder for materials not yet selected (e.g. '$2,000 for lighting fixtures'). Lowball allowances make a bid look cheap initially. Always require written allowance schedules with unit costs and caps.

Common questions

How do I check if a contractor quote is complete?
A complete quote contains specific material brands/models, quantities, a start/completion timeline, explicit written exclusions, permit responsibility, milestone payment schedules, warranty duration, and the contractor's license number.
What is a red flag on a contractor estimate?
Red flags include asking for more than 30% upfront (or over state legal caps), verbal-only scope promises, no license number listed, vague 'TBD' allowances, refusal to pull permits, and cash-only payment demands.
How much deposit should I pay a contractor upfront?
A standard deposit is 10% to 30% of the project total, or state legal caps. California limits down payments to 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less). Never pay 50% or more down for standard trade work.
What is California's deposit cap for contractors?
Under California Business and Professions Code 7159, a contractor cannot legally demand a down payment of more than 10% of the total contract price or $1,000, whichever is less.
What are allowances in a contractor quote?
Allowances are temporary dollar estimates for items you haven't chosen yet (like countertops or faucets). Ensure allowances match realistic retail prices so you don't face unexpected cost increases later.
Why do contractors list explicit exclusions?
Exclusions clarify work the contractor will not perform — like painter patch-up, electrical panel upgrades, or hauling heavy waste — preventing misunderstandings about who handles adjacent repairs.
Should permits be included in the contractor quote?
Yes. The licensed contractor should pull required building, electrical, or plumbing permits. Beware of contractors who ask you to pull permits as an 'owner-builder', as it transfers liability to you.
What questions should I ask before signing a quote?
Ask: Will you pull the permit? What is the labor warranty duration? What are the milestone payment triggers? Can you itemize materials? What happens if unexpected concealed damage is found?
How do change orders work during a project?
Change orders must be written, itemized, and signed by both parties before the extra work begins. Never agree to verbal change order requests without written prices.

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