Compare Drain Tile Quotes on the Same Evidence

Provide each bidder with the same symptom timeline, floor plan, exterior observations, inspection footage, route sketch, access map and known outlet information. Include the property address and any City responses already obtained. If one proposal uses different evidence, mark that difference before comparing totals. Date the bid package and distribute later discoveries consistently. This prevents a low number based on fewer assumptions from appearing equivalent to a proposal that priced the documented investigation, construction and restoration responsibilities.

• Use one dated evidence package
• Share the same access and outlet information
• Distribute material updates to every active bidder

Check which drainage segments were viewed, cleaned, located or left inaccessible, and whether the proposal relies on observations or assumptions. Compare the condition and location evidence supporting repair or replacement. Ask how unviewed areas will be handled and what discoveries would change the scope. A bidder should not turn one defect or one wet room into unsupported whole-system certainty. Keep optional investigation separate from construction so its cost and decision value remain visible.

• List viewed and unviewed segments
• Tie the proposed work to findings
• Separate optional investigation from construction

Compare included foundation lengths or sides, excavation access, depth assumptions, utility locating, spoil handling, temporary water control and protection of nearby structures and surfaces. Ask for quantities or unit rates where practical, while recognizing that site conditions can affect final work. Clarify responsibility for trench safety and qualified professional input. A lump sum with no mapped boundary cannot be fairly compared with a proposal that identifies each included side, obstacle and restoration area.

• Map the included excavation boundary
• Compare quantities and allowances
• Identify safety and professional responsibilities

Place pipe, fittings, cleanouts, sumps, pumps, aggregate, separation material, wall preparation, membranes or drainage layers and protective components in a common table. Confirm that each item is actually part of the proposed scope and supported by current product information. Keep structural work separate unless specifically reviewed and included. Compare transition, corner and termination details, not only product names. Record who verifies the installation before it is covered and what evidence will be provided.

• List components line by line
• Compare wall and pipe scope separately
• Require pre-cover verification evidence

Every quote should state the proposed outlet or connection and who will confirm City requirements. Compare permit applications, inspection stages, watercourse questions and construction-water handling. Do not accept an allowance that assumes permission to discharge to a catch basin, ditch or surface location. If outlet evidence is incomplete, mark it as a preconstruction decision with a clear owner and effect on price. Use the discharge page and City sources to ask accurate questions without claiming that every project follows the same process.

• Name the outlet and supporting record
• Assign City confirmation responsibility
• Keep unresolved authority decisions out of fixed assumptions

Compare backfill, compaction, soil, lawn, planting, trees, fences, decks, stairs, concrete, asphalt, pavers and irrigation. Identify which surfaces are restored, allowed for, excluded or assigned to another trade. Review settlement, plant survival and material-matching limitations. Then list all other exclusions and the written change process, including authorization, documentation and pricing. A lower pipe price can create a higher total property cost when excavation access and final surfaces are outside the quote.

• Price restoration by surface
• Separate allowances and exclusions
• Require written approval before added work

Score proposals for evidence, defined boundaries, excavation planning, component clarity, outlet verification, permits, testing, restoration, schedule, closeout and change control. Verify qualifications, insurance and contract terms through appropriate records rather than accepting unsupported website statements. Resolve material differences in writing before selection. The source, inspection, repair-or-replace, replacement and discharge pages provide the supporting checklists. Retain the comparison and clarifications with the accepted contract so later changes can be measured against the scope that was actually approved.

• Resolve major differences before award
• Compare total property responsibility
• Keep the final comparison with closeout records