How to Compare Remodel Bids in Austin (So You Don’t Blow the Budget)

If you’re collecting bids for a kitchen, bathroom, or full-home remodel, you’ll probably see numbers that vary more than you expected. That doesn’t automatically mean someone is “overpriced” or someone else is a “deal.”

Most of the time, bid differences come down to one thing: you’re not comparing the same scope.

This guide gives you a clean way to compare bids—so you can make a confident decision and reduce the chance of budget surprises later.

Quick note: We’re a premium, process-driven remodeling team. Our goal here isn’t to “sell you” on a number—it’s to help you compare bids honestly and understand what’s included (and what isn’t).'

The big idea: compare scope completeness, not just the bottom line

A remodel bid is only as good as:

• the detail behind it,
• the assumptions it makes, and
• the plan for unknowns.

A lower number often comes from missing scope, low allowances, or thin planning—and those gaps frequently show up later as change orders, delays, or rushed decisions.

The 5 things you must align before comparing bids

1) Are you comparing the same drawings/specs?

If one contractor is bidding from detailed plans and another is bidding from a short conversation and a few photos, those bids will not match.

Ask: “Are you bidding from the same drawings, selections, and scope notes?”

2) Are allowances listed clearly (and realistic)?

Allowances can hide huge differences. Two bids can look close, but one has low allowances that force upgrades later.

Ask:

• “What’s included as an allowance?”
• “Are these allowances realistic for the finish level we want?”

3) Are exclusions and assumptions spelled out?

The fastest way a “great price” becomes a bad experience is when exclusions show up mid-project.

Ask: “What’s excluded that I might assume is included?”

4) What’s the change-order policy?

Even excellent remodels have change orders sometimes. The key is whether the process is disciplined and transparent.

Ask:

• “How are change orders approved?”
• “What documentation do we receive?”
• “What’s the typical turnaround time?”

5) What’s the plan for unknowns (contingency)?

Unknown conditions happen—especially in older homes and in projects with behind-the-walls work.

Many homeowners plan a contingency buffer (often 5–10%, sometimes higher for higher-unknown remodels). Your goal isn’t to “avoid contingency.” Your goal is to compare how each contractor accounts for risk.

Apples-to-apples bid comparison table

Use this table for each contractor. If they can’t answer these clearly, that’s information too.

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The 3 scope items that most commonly change the budget

If you want the fastest way to understand why bids differ, look here first:

1) Structural work

Removing walls, changing openings, leveling floors, and addressing hidden conditions can add meaningful time and cost.

2) Relocating plumbing

Moving sinks, dishwashers, gas lines, or drains is a major scope driver.

3) Relocating electrical

Lighting plans, circuits, outlet changes, panel upgrades, and code updates add complexity quickly.

Tip: If one bid assumes “minimal changes” in these categories and another includes more realistic scope, the second bid may be the more accurate “all-in” cost.

The “contingency trap” (and how to compare bids fairly)

One reason bids aren’t apples-to-apples is how each contractor handles uncertainty.

Many homeowners plan a contingency buffer (often 5–10%, sometimes higher for older homes or higher-unknown remodels). If a bid is light on scope detail, heavy on exclusions, or based on early-stage assumptions, you may need to add a larger buffer to understand likely total cost.

How Simply Home approaches this (for context):Our clients typically plan for ~5% contingency for unforeseen conditions because our estimates are built line by line and we work to define full scope up front—especially around structural work, plumbing relocation, and electrical relocation. We’ve found that when scope is defined thoroughly, fewer items are “missed,” and the process runs with fewer surprises. Learn more about kitchen remodel costs.

How to apply this when comparing bids:If another bid looks significantly lower, ask whether it includes the same scope and risk planning. If it doesn’t, you may be comparing a partial scope number to a full-scope plan.

A simple checklist: what to ask before you choose a contractor

Copy/paste these questions into an email and send them to each bidder:

1. Can you confirm what is included line by line (demo, framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall, cabinetry, finishes)?
2. What structural assumptions are you making (walls, framing, leveling, unknowns)?
3. What plumbing moves are included? What’s excluded?
4. What electrical work is included (lighting, circuits, outlets, panel)?
5. Please list all allowances (cabinets, counters, tile, fixtures, lighting, hardware) and the assumed price level.
6. What is excluded that homeowners often assume is included?
7. Who pulls permits and manages inspections? Are permit fees included?
8. What is your projected timeline, and what decisions do you need by when to stay on schedule?
9. Who is my day-to-day contact during construction? How often do we communicate?
10. How do change orders work (approval, pricing, turnaround time)?
11. What contingency (if any) should we plan for, and why?
12. What warranty and quality control process do you provide?

How to choose (even when prices differ)

If you’re deciding between bids, ask yourself:

• Which proposal is most complete and transparent?
• Which team has the clearest plan for schedule + communication?
• Which bid has realistic allowances and a clean change-order process?
• Which contractor is helping you reduce risk—not just reduce the number?

In premium remodeling, the goal isn’t the lowest starting number. The goal is a predictable experience and a predictable final cost.

Plan your remodel with clarity.

‍If you’re comparing bids for a kitchen, bathroom, or full-home remodel in Austin/Westlake, we offer complimentary phone consultations to help you understand scope, risk, and what’s truly included.

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FAQs

Why are remodeling bids so different?

Usually because the scope, allowances, exclusions, or assumptions are different—not because one contractor is simply “more expensive.”

What is an allowance in a remodel bid?

An allowance is a placeholder budget for a selection (like tile, lighting, cabinetry, fixtures). If your final selections exceed the allowance, you typically pay the difference.

How much contingency should I plan for?

It depends on how defined the scope is and how many unknowns exist. Many homeowners plan a buffer (often 5–10%), and higher-unknown remodels may warrant more.

Is the lowest bid always a red flag?

Not always—but it should trigger questions. Make sure the lower bid includes the full scope, realistic allowances, and a clear change-order process.

Can I get help comparing bids?

Yes. In a complimentary phone consultation, we can help you identify scope gaps, allowance issues, and timeline assumptions so you can make a confident decision.