Two framing quotes for the same house can differ by a lot and still both be honest. The difference is usually scope: what is included, what is assumed and what is left for you to cover later. Comparing quotes means lining up the scope first, and only then looking at the number.
Start With the Drawings
- ✓Which drawing set and revision was each quote based on?
- ✓Did the bidder visit the site, or quote from drawings only?
- ✓Are any engineer letters, truss drawings or special details included in the quote basis?
Materials
- ✓Is lumber supplied or is it labour only? If supplied, who orders it and who covers shortages and waste?
- ✓What stud size, spacing and sheathing is allowed for, and does it match the drawings?
- ✓Are connectors, hold-downs, anchors and fasteners included or listed as extras?
- ✓For foundations: are concrete, rebar, forming materials and sill plates included?
Scope Items That Get Left Out
- ✓Layout and verification of the foundation before framing starts
- ✓Crane, forklift or other lifting, and who books it
- ✓Temporary bracing, scaffolding and site protection
- ✓Cleanup and disposal
- ✓Blocking for finishes, backing for fixtures and chases for trades
- ✓Return visits for inspection corrections
Prefab Panels Versus Site Framing
If one quote is for site framing and another is for panelized walls, the scope will not line up on its face. The panel quote may exclude installation, delivery or crane time that the site-framing quote includes, and the site-framing quote may exclude the shop drawing and layout step. Our guide to panelized versus site-framed schedule and weather risk explains how to compare the two on the same footing, and the prefab versus stick-built calculator lets you test your own assumptions.
Changes, Payment and Schedule
- ✓How are changes priced and approved: in writing, before the work happens?
- ✓What is the payment schedule, and what triggers each payment?
- ✓How long is the quote valid?
- ✓Is the start date firm, or dependent on other trades, inspections or weather?
- ✓What insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage does the bidder carry? Ask for proof.
Ask Every Bidder the Same Questions
Send the same drawings and the same list of questions to every bidder, and compare the answers side by side. Our what to send a panel shop post and the panel order checklist work as a starting list for panelized walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is one framing quote so much lower than the others?
Often scope. Check whether it is labour only, whether it excludes lifting or bracing, and which drawing revision it used before treating the lower number as a saving.
Should the quote be a fixed price?
Either can work if the scope is clear. What matters is that the scope, the assumptions and the change process are written down.
How many quotes should I get?
Enough to see a range of scopes and prices. Make sure each is based on the same drawings so they can be compared.
How do I get a quote from OG Prefab?
For panelized walls, send plans through the order page. For foundation or site-built framing, use the quote page. Pricing and terms are set out in your written quote.
Ready to compare? Send your plans and we will return a written quote with the scope spelled out.
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