Piece 1 of the Planning Kit · 2026
Scope-Built Quote Worksheet
Fill this in before you collect a single quote. When every contractor bids the same written scope, the only things that change are the price and the schedule — which is exactly how you want to be comparing them.
Type directly into the fields, then print or save as PDF — or print it blank and fill it in by hand at the kitchen table.
Project basics
Jurisdiction matters — permits and fees differ by city. We work in: City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, Roseville, Folsom, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills, Rocklin, Lincoln, Loomis, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, and more.
Room-by-room scope
For each room, check every system you want changed. An unchecked system tells the contractor to assume the cheapest version — or leave it out entirely.
Fixed scope vs. selections
Fixed scope = work that has to happen no matter what (demo, waterproofing, framing, code upgrades). Selections = finishes you can still swap (tile, cabinets, faucets, lighting). Good contractors price fixed scope with confidence and give allowances for selections.
Fixed scope (must happen)
Selections (allowances / TBD)
Priorities — so something gives if the budget gets tight
Rank honestly now. When a hidden condition eats into the budget mid-project, this is what saves you from a hard decision under pressure.
Must-have
Nice-to-have
Not this phase
Hidden conditions to ask about (homes built before ~1985)
These live behind the wall and only show up at demo. Ask how each is handled — the answer should be a written change-order policy, not a shrug.
Contractor comparison grid
Ask all three the same questions. Their answers tell you more than the portfolio. Fill a column in during each interview.
| Question | Contractor 1 | Contractor 2 | Contractor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSLB license # (verify active) | |||
| Day-to-day point of contact | |||
| Will email a written scope first? | |||
| Written change-order policy? | |||
| Deposit asked (max $1,000 or 10%) | |||
| Labor warranty (length, in writing) | |||
| 3 recent local references? | |||
| Who pulls the permit? | |||
| Phase schedule with date ranges? | |||
| Start date / weeks on site |
Red flag: a deposit over $1,000 or 10% of the job (whichever is less) is against California law (B&P Code §7159.5) without a performance bond.
Want us to fill this in with you?
A Tanbark Project Manager (not a salesperson) comes out, measures, and walks the exact scope above with you — then writes an itemized estimate within 48 hours. No charge, no pressure.
Back to the full Planning Kit.