You are bidding on a job with homeowner-drawn plans where some dimensions do not add up. What should you do?

You are bidding on a job with homeowner-drawn plans where some dimensions do not add up. What should you do?

• A. Proceed With the Bid Based on Your Estimate
• B. Inform the Homeowner You Cannot Bid Until the Numbers Add Up
• C. Submit a Bid Then Ask for Clarification Later
• D. Use External Standards to Fill in the Gaps

Answer: (B)

When plans show dimensions that don’t add up, the key step is to pause and get clarification before bidding. A bid should rest on a clear, accurate scope and quantities, and inconsistent measurements create ambiguity about what’s actually being priced. Telling the homeowner you cannot bid until the numbers add up protects you from guessing what was intended, which can lead to disputes, unexpected changes, and cost overruns once work begins. It also gives you the chance to obtain corrected plans or perform on-site measurements to establish a solid basis for the estimate. Trying to proceed with a bid based on uncertain numbers, or to fill gaps later, leads to mispricing and miscommunication about the project scope. Using outside standards to fill the gaps can remove the project from the homeowner’s intent and introduce inaccuracies. So the prudent approach is to wait for clear, consistent plans before bidding.

When plans show dimensions that don’t add up, the key step is to pause and get clarification before bidding. A bid should rest on a clear, accurate scope and quantities, and inconsistent measurements create ambiguity about what’s actually being priced. Telling the homeowner you cannot bid until the numbers add up protects you from guessing what was intended, which can lead to disputes, unexpected changes, and cost overruns once work begins. It also gives you the chance to obtain corrected plans or perform on-site measurements to establish a solid basis for the estimate.

Trying to proceed with a bid based on uncertain numbers, or to fill gaps later, leads to mispricing and miscommunication about the project scope. Using outside standards to fill the gaps can remove the project from the homeowner’s intent and introduce inaccuracies. So the prudent approach is to wait for clear, consistent plans before bidding.