The short answer
Compare quotes on scope, not just price. A good renovation estimate is written and itemized: it lists each phase of the work, the materials and allowances, what is excluded, the timeline and the payment schedule. If one quote is far cheaper, it usually leaves something out.
What a good renovation estimate includes
- The scope, phase by phase. Demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall, tile, finishes, so you can see the whole job.
- Materials and allowances. What’s included by name, and a dollar allowance for finishes you haven’t picked yet, like tile, fixtures or flooring.
- Exclusions. What the price does not cover. This is where most surprise bills come from.
- Permits and disposal. Whether the permit, inspections, demolition and disposal are in the price.
- Timeline and payments. A start date, a rough schedule, and a payment schedule tied to progress.
Our sample estimate shows every one of these for a 100 sq ft bathroom, broken into seven phases.
Four questions to ask every contractor
- What allowances are included? Are the amounts realistic for the finishes you want, or set low to make the total look smaller?
- Are demolition, disposal and permits in the price? These are real costs, and cheaper quotes sometimes leave them out.
- How are hidden conditions handled? Old wiring, rot or moisture can appear once walls open. Ask how surprises are priced and approved.
- Is every line itemized? A single lump sum makes it impossible to compare quotes fairly.
How to compare quotes side by side
Put the quotes next to each other and line up the same items: the same scope, the same allowances, the same exclusions. Then adjust for anything one contractor included and another didn’t. Only then compare the totals.
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Same scope | A cheaper quote may skip a phase, such as waterproofing or electrical upgrades |
| Realistic allowances | Low allowances make a total look smaller and come back as extras |
| Permits included | Unpermitted work can cause trouble with insurance and resale |
| Insurance and WSIB | If something goes wrong on site, their coverage should pay, not yours |
| Written warranty | Renovations aren’t covered by Ontario’s new-home warranty, so the contractor’s warranty is what protects you |
Red flags in a renovation quote
- A large cash deposit before any work or materials are scheduled.
- An offer to skip permits to save money.
- No written contract, or a one-line price with no detail.
- No proof of insurance or WSIB coverage when you ask.
- Changes priced verbally instead of in writing before the work is done.
How we price a renovation
Every Ramsauer quote is written and itemized after a free site visit and design. Changes are priced and approved by you in writing before the work is done, every job carries $5 million in liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and all our work comes with a 2-year written warranty. See a real example in our sample estimate, or our renovation cost guide for typical price ranges.
