Hiring a Contractor Checklist & Bid Comparison Spreadsheet

Compare bids on the same scope, check the basics and keep payments behind the work.

Who it's for: Homeowners getting quotes for a remodel, roof, addition or big repair who want to compare contractors fairly and avoid paying ahead of the work.

The problem it solves: Bids rarely cover the same work. This hiring a contractor checklist and bid comparison spreadsheet adds the missing scope items to each bid so you compare like with like, flags large deposits, counts the checks you've done (license, insurance certificate, references, written contract), and compares what you've paid with how much of the work is done.

What's inside

• Contractor Bid Workbook (EXAMPLE + BLANK, .xlsx)
• Hiring a Contractor Playbook (PDF)
• Questions to Ask a Contractor and Contractor Red Flags & License Check (DOCX + PDF)
• Scope of Work Template and Change Order Form TEMPLATE (DOCX + PDF)
• Payment Milestone & Lien Waiver Checklist (DOCX + PDF)
• AI Prompt Pack: 25 prompts (PDF + TXT)
• Start Here guide and license

How it works

1. Write your scope with the Scope of Work Template and give the same one to every contractor.
2. Enter each bid and mark which scope items it includes; the workbook prices the gaps.
3. Work through the Contractor Check for your chosen bid, including your state's official license lookup.
4. Track payments and change orders as the job goes.
5. Check the Dashboard: payments vs work done, unsigned change orders and what's left.

Good to know

• Every number and company in the EXAMPLE file is made up; it isn't a typical price.
• This kit isn't legal advice. Licensing, lien and contract rules differ by state and city: check your state's official license lookup and consumer protection office, and have an attorney review large contracts.
• The change order form is a TEMPLATE to adapt; it isn't a contract reviewed for your state.
• These checks don't guarantee the work or the outcome.
• Excel .xlsx workbook, no macros; formulas tested in LibreOffice (Google Sheets and Excel open-tests pending)
• ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Copilot are trademarks of their owners. This kit isn't affiliated with them.

Refunds: All sales are final. This kit is an instant digital download, so we don't offer refunds once your order is placed. If a file is broken, missing or not as described, email ryanviabusiness@gmail.com with your order number and we'll send you a working replacement file; if we can't provide a working file that matches this description, we'll refund your order. If you bought the same kit twice by mistake, email us within 14 days of the second order and we'll refund the duplicate order. Nothing in this policy limits any rights you have under law that can't be waived.

License: one household; no resale, redistribution or sharing.

Cover images are illustrations created with AI. The people shown are fictional, not customers.