Leveling bids
- How to level subcontractor bids: a practical guide
A step-by-step guide to leveling subcontractor bids: scope gaps, exclusions, alternates, allowances, unit prices, qualifications, normalizing totals and open questions.
- Bid tab template: what a subcontractor bid tab contains
The sheets and columns of a working bid tab: summary, scope leveling, alternates, allowances and unit prices, exclusions, open questions and sources. Download a sample.
- Bid leveling software: what it should do, and how Bidtab does it
What bid leveling is, what to look for in bid leveling software (source citations, scope gaps, alternates, Excel export), and how Bidtab levels subcontractor bids.
- Leveling bids in Excel vs Bidtab: an honest comparison
Where a hand-built Excel bid tab works well, where it costs time and risks errors, and what changes when Bidtab reads the bids and cites every figure. You keep Excel.
Trade by trade
- Roofing bids
What roofing bids usually include and exclude, the alternates and unit prices to line up, and where roofing scope meets sheet metal, plumbing and mechanical.
- Electrical bids
What electrical bids usually carry, the exclusions that create gaps (utility fees, fire alarm, low voltage), and the alternates and unit prices to compare.
- Mechanical and HVAC bids
What HVAC bids usually include, the exclusions to watch (controls, test and balance, line voltage), and the alternates and unit prices to line up.
- Plumbing bids
What plumbing bids usually include, where site utilities and fees fall out, and the alternates, allowances and unit prices worth comparing across bidders.
- Concrete bids
What concrete bids usually include, the exclusions to watch (rebar, excavation, winter conditions, testing), and the alternates and unit prices to compare.
See it on a real comparison
The sample project levels three invented roofing bids, with every figure cited to its page. No sign-up needed.