Chapter 1
Give each company the same brief
Share the same appliance information, symptoms, history, photographs and requested outcome. Quotes built from different inputs are difficult to compare.
Chapter 2
Create a line-by-line comparison
FTC consumer guidance recommends multiple written estimates and cautions against automatically choosing the lowest bidder. For chimney work, compare diagnosis, preparation, access, materials, cleanup, permits, schedule and warranty.
- Observed condition and evidence
- Included and excluded surfaces
- Materials and manufacturer
- Roof or interior access
- Dust and property protection
- Permit responsibility
- Change-order process
- Written warranty
Chapter 3
Pause when diagnoses conflict
A large difference may reflect different scopes—or different conclusions about the problem. Ask each company to explain the evidence. For substantial or destructive work, further independent assessment may be worthwhile.
Field note: Never sign a proposal with blank scope, price or completion fields.