1. Set the same basis for comparison
A total only makes sense alongside the work it covers. Use one worksheet for one trade package. Keep the original proposals and any written clarifications with it. No account is needed to use or print this template.
| Comparison basis | Your project record |
|---|---|
| Project / work area | ________________ |
| Trade package and scope reference | ________________ |
| Drawings, schedules and specifications with revisions | ________________ |
| Site access and temporary works assumptions | ________________ |
| Required start window and dependencies | ________________ |
| Prepared by / comparison date / revision | ________________ |
Need help describing the work first? Use the trade scope planning worksheet before requesting or comparing proposals.
2. Record each written proposal
Copy the amount and tax wording exactly. Write “not stated” when a detail is absent. An allowance is already part of a proposal when its wording says so. An exclusion stays outside that amount unless a later written revision includes it.
| Proposal detail | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade / legal entity | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Quote reference, date and revision | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Quoted documents and revisions | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Quoted total and currency | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| GST wording / tax basis | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Fixed scope / rates / estimate basis | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Allowances already included | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Explicit exclusions | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Validity / proposed timing | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Payment and variation terms to review | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
3. Check the scope line by line
Repeat this register for the work your project needs. In each quote column, use “included”, “excluded”, “allowance” or “not stated”, then add the document and page reference. Keep a contradiction open until it is resolved in writing.
| Required work / responsibility | Quote A + source | Quote B + source | Quote C + source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials and specified products | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Labour and installation | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Delivery, lifting and site access | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Preparation and interfaces with other trades | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Waste, cleanup and temporary works | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Testing, inspections and handover records | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| Other project-specific work | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
4. Keep missing costs and questions visible
Record the wording you are relying on, including any email date or drawing revision. Ask the responsible person for a written answer. If an extra amount is supplied, record whether it is additional to the quote or already included before updating your budget.
| Item / quote | Source and wording | Question / person to ask | Written answer / status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Fictional example — a crane exclusion
In Bildr’s sample project, framing proposal F-12, page 1 states A$42,800 including GST and excludes crane hire. The owner’s site-access record says the frames need a crane lift. The framing quote therefore leaves a required cost unpriced.
| Evidence | Open question | Comparison status |
|---|---|---|
| F-12, page 1 — crane hire excluded; site-access record — crane lift required | Who books the crane, and what are the hire and operator costs in writing? | Crane hire unpriced. Framing amount remains A$42,800 including GST. |
This example demonstrates the method. It is not a price estimate for your project. Try the sample quote review to see the question and budget record together.
5. Record the decision and what remains open
| Decision record | Your note |
|---|---|
| Current preference and reasons | ________________ |
| Questions / costs still unresolved | ________________ |
| Advice or review required before accepting | ________________ |
| Next action / owner / date | ________________ |
| Final proposal reference and decision date | ________________ |
A completed comparison supports your review. It does not establish that the scope is complete, the contractor is suitable or the contract meets your requirements. Obtain project-specific professional advice where needed, and carry confirmed amounts and open items into your budget worksheet.