Investor guide

How to Compare Contractor Bids for a House Flip

For a flip, a cheap rehab bid can damage the deal if it omits trades or pushes predictable work into later changes. Compare scope against underwriting before award.

Map every bid back to the rehab scope

Use trade categories that match acquisition underwriting: demo, structure, roof/exterior, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, kitchen, baths, finishes, site work, permits, and general conditions.

Separate known scope from hidden-condition risk

Identify what the contractor priced, what remains unknown, and what contingency is reserved for true surprises.

Compare draw structure with the rehab plan

Review deposits and progress draws against visible milestones and capital needs. Multiple contractors may require separate payment schedules.

Use the decision as the starting baseline

When you choose a contractor, preserve the accepted scope, price, allowances, and payment milestones. CheckMyBids is the pre-hire side of the workflow; CheckMyRemodel is where the awarded project continues when changes and payments start.

Compare your own bids.

Use a free CheckMyBids tool or start a Bid Snapshot before you sign.

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