How to Compare Kitchen Remodel Bids
Three kitchen bids with different totals are not comparable until you level the scope. Here's the step-by-step process — starting with the line item that matters most.
Have kitchen bids to compare?
BidLens does this analysis automatically — upload multiple bids and get a side-by-side breakdown in 60 seconds.
Compare my kitchen bids free →Confirm all bids cover the same scope
Before comparing any numbers, confirm each bid includes and excludes the same items. The most common scope gaps: demo (included vs. not), permits (included vs. not), appliances (included vs. purchased separately), backsplash (sometimes excluded), and design fee. Create a checklist and mark each bid yes/no for every item.
Extract and compare the cabinet spec
Cabinets are 30–40% of budget and the highest-variance line item. From each bid, extract: brand name, product line, box construction (plywood vs. particleboard), drawer joint (dovetail vs. stapled), and lead time. Calculate cost per linear foot for each. A $800/LF bid is not comparable to a $200/LF bid — they are different products.
Compare countertop spec and fabrication process
Countertop material spans $10–$200/sqft installed. "Granite" without slab source and edge profile is not a spec. Get from each bid: material type, brand/line if quartz, whether you select your slab, edge profile, and fabricator name. Only then compare prices.
Calculate the markup for each bid
If bids are itemized: markup % = (total bid − materials − labor) ÷ (materials + labor) × 100. Standard: 15–35%. Over 75% is a red flag. If bids are lump sum, ask each contractor for a breakdown of materials vs. labor before comparing. Without this, you are comparing opaque totals.
Identify what each bid includes for appliances
Appliances are a change order trap. Contractors who include appliances typically mark them up 10–30% over retail. Get the appliance package spec from each contractor, then price the same appliances at AJ Madison or Best Buy. Consider buying directly and having the contractor install — often saves $500–$3,000.
Compare timeline and payment schedule
Timeline: a 3-week kitchen is stock cabinets. 8–12 weeks is semi-custom. Payment schedule: 10–20% deposit, progress payments tied to milestones, final payment after punch list completion. Any bid requesting more than 33% upfront or full payment before installation starts is a red flag.
Verify permits are included and who pulls them
Any kitchen involving plumbing, electrical, gas, or structural changes requires permits — often multiple. Confirm each bid includes permit fees and that the contractor, not you, pulls them. Bids that exclude permits will add them as a change order.
BidLens does this comparison automatically
Upload your kitchen bids and BidLens levels the scope, extracts cabinet specs, calculates markup for each contractor, and shows you the real comparison.
Compare my kitchen bids free →