Free for homeowners. Results by email, checked by a person before they go out.
Turn confusing contractor bids into a clear apples-to-apples comparison.
Contractors don't write bids the same way. One prices the permits, one leaves them out, one writes "owner to supply" next to the tile. BidCompare AI reads your bids, lines up what each one includes, fills in what's missing, and puts the real totals side by side.
From GreatBuildz, the free service that matches California homeowners with vetted contractors. Anyone can use the tool, client or not.
What it does well
Based on the comparisons we've run for homeowners on ADUs, kitchens, bathrooms and whole-house remodels.
Puts every bid on the same footing
When one contractor includes demo and another writes "by owner", the totals don't mean the same thing. The comparison adds the missing pieces back in, labels each one as an assumption, and shows an adjusted total for every bid.
Explains the price gap
Instead of one total that's much higher with no explanation, you get the reasons: permits, design detail, project management, materials, utilities, finish quality. Then you can decide which of those you actually want to pay for.
Gives you the questions to ask
Every comparison ends with follow-up questions for each contractor, written so the vague parts get pinned down before you sign. Most of them go to the bid that left the most unsaid.
In many of the comparisons we've run, the gap between the cheapest bid and the rest came mostly from missing scope, a permit line that wasn't there, or an allowance that was never defined. Add those back and the order can change. Better to see that before you sign than after.
What you get
Two attachments and a plain-English summary email, plus a private link to check on progress.
The comparison spreadsheet
Totals as bid and as adjusted, a scope tab showing what each contractor included, excluded or left vague, and a materials tab for allowances, finish specs and who supplies what.
The written report
Eight sections in plain language: a summary, the headline totals, what's driving the differences, the scope items to line up, finishes and materials, red flags, follow-up questions, and a closing take on which bid looks strongest once the scope matches.
A short summary email
The key findings in a few paragraphs, with the one or two things worth a closer look. Easy to forward to whoever is helping you decide.
A private status link
You get it the moment your upload finishes. It shows where your comparison is, from received to ready, and you can check it any time.
Here's what the spreadsheet and the first page of the report look like.
What it tends to catch
The problems that show up again and again.
Missing scope
A low bid looks good until the electrical, plumbing, permit or site work that isn't in it gets added back.
Vague allowances
Some bids give no allowance for tile, fixtures or cabinets, or leave the materials so undefined that the cost lands on you later.
Totals that don't add up
Line items that don't sum to the bottom line, or a payment schedule that doesn't match the contract total. Small math problems deserve a question.
Paperwork gaps
No license number on the bid, a deposit larger than California allows, a short expiry date, or contact details shared between two supposedly separate contractors.
Ready when your bids are.
Upload 2 to 6 bids. The comparison takes about 10 minutes to build, then Jon gives it a quick look and sends it to your inbox. No account to create, no sales call afterward. Your upload is secure and never shared with anyone, ever.
The comparison is written by AI and read by Jon before it goes out. Check every figure against the original bids before you decide.
Upload my bidsWant one more bid so you have more to compare? GreatBuildz can match you with a vetted contractor, free, and only when you ask: get matched.