Why builder bids come back far apart
If three builders price the same plan and the bids differ by tens of thousands of dollars, the plan is often the reason. When drawings leave questions open, each builder fills the gaps differently: one assumes basic windows, another premium; one includes a driveway, another doesn't. Missing information becomes allowances and contingency — and later, change orders.
The fix is a clear bid package: the same complete set of drawings and decisions sent to every builder.
Drawings every bid set should include
| Drawing | What builders need from it |
|---|---|
| Floor plans | All dimensions, room names, door swings, window and door tags |
| Exterior elevations | All four sides, materials, roof pitch, heights |
| Roof plan | Pitches, valleys, overhangs, drainage |
| Foundation plan | Type (slab, crawl, basement), footings, any steps |
| Sections | Wall heights, ceiling heights, insulation |
| Window & door schedule | Sizes in builder-standard codes, types, rough openings |
| Electrical plan | Outlets, lights, switches, panel location |
| Site plan | House placement, setbacks, driveway, utilities |
See window and door schedules explained for how to write sizes builders read correctly.
Specs and finish levels
Drawings show the shape of the house; specs define its cost. At minimum, write down:
- Window brand/line or quality level, and exterior door type.
- Roofing, siding and trim materials.
- Flooring by room.
- Cabinet quality and countertop material.
- Plumbing fixture and appliance level (or allowances you set).
- HVAC system type and water heater.
- Insulation levels or energy targets.
Where you haven't chosen yet, give every builder the same allowance number so bids stay comparable.
Site information builders need
- Survey or plat with lot lines and setbacks.
- Slope or topography, and any soil report.
- Utility status: city water or well, sewer or septic, power distance.
- Driveway length and surface.
- Who handles clearing, grading and permits.
Site work is one of the most variable parts of a bid. See how much site work costs.
Compare any contractor bid against state-adjusted costs for your house, category by category, before you sign.
Analyze my bidThe bid package checklist
- Complete, dimensioned drawings (list above).
- A window and door schedule in standard sizes.
- A written spec or finish list with allowances.
- Site info: survey, utilities, access.
- What's included and excluded (landscaping, appliances, permits).
- Your target schedule.
- A bid form that asks every builder to break costs into the same categories.
Comparing the bids you get back
Line the bids up by category, not just by total. A low bid with large allowances can end up costing more. Our contractor bid analyzer compares a bid against state-adjusted costs for your house, category by category. Also useful: how to compare contractor bids and the builder quote checklist before signing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I send builders to get accurate bids?
Complete dimensioned plans, elevations, a roof and foundation plan, a window and door schedule, an electrical plan, a site plan, a written spec or finish list, and site information such as survey and utilities.
Why are my builder bids so different?
Most often because the plans and specs leave decisions open, so each builder assumes different materials, scope and allowances.
Should I get my plans reviewed before bidding?
It helps. A review catches unclear callouts, missing information and design issues that otherwise show up as bid questions, allowances and change orders.
How many builder bids should I get?
Three is a common number: enough to compare pricing and approach without overwhelming the process.