Totals are only comparable when you know what each proposal covers. Resolve gaps before choosing by amount.
Two quotes labelled ‘after builders cleaning’ may cover different parts of the home. If one mentions glass and the other also frames, tracks and cupboard interiors, amounts alone are not enough to compare them. Place proposals beside the same task list and mark where answers are missing.
Check what each company confirmed and what depends on a visit. Compatible methods, access and residue treatment need its assessment; keep those outstanding points when comparing.
Prepare a common reference
Use a list of areas and items, rather than just the service name. Include the area you supplied, its current condition and excluded parts. If you sent photos or material references, check both companies received the same information. Otherwise they may be answering different jobs without that showing in the document title.
Fictitious example, without market prices: bedroom and hallway, three window assemblies and the inside of an empty wardrobe. There is adhered residue of unknown origin. Companies must confirm whether they accept these tasks and which need a visit.
- Do both proposals include the same rooms?
- Do they detail each window's parts and the sides requested?
- Do they include the wardrobe interior or only its exterior?
- How do they describe the residue needing assessment?
- Who clears objects and removes leftover materials?
- Which price, taxes and terms are confirmed?
Read an exclusion without filling the gap
Suppose the first proposal includes internal glass and excludes shutters. The second only says ‘windows’. It may include more, less or the same, but you do not yet know. Ask about window parts rather than interpreting the broad term in your favour. Note the answer beside the document.
Mark answers as included, excluded or outstanding. A blank confirms none of these: ask and keep the clarification with the quote.
For furniture and belongings, review who moves, empties or replaces them. ‘Bedroom cleaning’ does not identify the inside of a full wardrobe or the space behind an item that cannot be moved. Clarify these tasks before counting on them. If an area will be inaccessible on the planned day, ask how that affects the job.
Residue and materials needing assessment
Describe the residue's location and gather the finish reference. Do not call it cement, adhesive or paint if you do not know its origin. A photo may locate it, but does not establish the material or guarantee removal without affecting it. The proposal must retain outstanding questions, even if that prevents a fixed price for that part.
You are not comparing two removal guarantees just because both documents use ‘cleaning’. Ask the company which tasks it could assess, what information is missing and how extra work will be decided. Manufacturer instructions and method compatibility cannot be replaced by a general promise to ‘remove every stain’.
Amounts, taxes and date
Check what each total represents and how taxes are expressed. Calcula y Contrata's calculation is indicative and shows amounts excluding taxes; a professional proposal may use another format. Ask for the final amount and conditions, without inferring a percentage or tax treatment yourself.
Also review the date and what must be ready. The calculator's urgency box adjusts the estimate, but does not confirm availability. One company may have assessed an empty home and another some preparatory tasks done by the customer. Check you can meet those conditions before choosing.
A better question than ‘can you lower the price?’
When you see a difference, start with the item: ‘This proposal lists the wardrobe interior and the other does not. Is it included, and does it depend on me emptying it?’ That question helps complete the scope. You can then assess the price for confirmed work.
Keep clarifications and ask for the version you decide to accept to be identifiable. If you add an area, change access or discover residue during preparation, tell the company. The previous proposal may no longer describe the work it will find; the change needs review rather than acceptance you assume yourself.