How do I compare estimates when one excludes disposal?

When one estimate excludes an item that another includes, show that difference before comparing the totals. You can calculate the known gap while leaving the excluded item's price unknown. Only add a price when it is actually supplied for the relevant scope.

This repair example uses fictional estimates and amounts in US dollars. It illustrates comparison arithmetic, not market pricing or a contractor recommendation.

The first comparison

The stated totals differ by $170: $2,010 − $1,840. Because disposal differs, the first usable summary is “A has the lower stated total, with disposal still excluded and unpriced.” The comparison is incomplete for a combined repair-and-disposal job. That does not make either supplied total false.

A clarification changes the arithmetic

Suppose A's contractor supplies a revised written reply: disposal for this scope adds $230. Record the reply against A's estimate rather than altering B. A's known combined amount is now $1,840 + $230 = $2,070. B's stated amount is $60 lower than that amount: $2,070 − $2,010.

The revised note should still say that other scope equivalence and tax treatment are unconfirmed. A $60 arithmetic difference does not resolve materials, timing, access or terms. Do not mark those fields complete because one exclusion has been priced.

The finished working note

Repair estimate comparison — after disposal clarification

A: $1,840 repair plus $230 confirmed disposal = $2,070 in known supplied amounts.

B: $2,010 stated, including disposal. B is $60 lower for these currently compared amounts.

Still to confirm: The same repair scope and materials; each estimate's tax statement; the proposed completion timing.

Question to both recipients: Please confirm whether your stated amount covers the same described repair section and materials, and specify the tax treatment and expected completion timing in the current written estimate.

This follows the practical reason for comparing written scope as well as price; the FTC's contractor guidance identifies those fields for written estimates. The worked figures and request are original.

Check your own estimate: read one estimate, choose each checklist answer and enter its amounts. Keep an unanswered disposal price unknown until you have the answer. The tool produces a question sheet; this two-estimate comparison remains an authored demonstration.